The Aztec Network has launched its public testnet, marking a significant step in combining blockchain privacy with smart contract programmability. Built on Ethereum, Aztec utilizes zero-knowledge technology to encrypt user balances and transactions, ensuring privacy without requiring users to learn complex cryptography. Developers can create decentralized applications (dapps) with integrated privacy features using Noir, Aztec's own programming language. Unlike many existing zk rollups that primarily compress transaction sizes instead of ensuring privacy, Aztec offers end-to-end encryption for transaction metadata, promoting flexible privacy and selective disclosure. This level of privacy isn't available on Ethereum L1 or other privacy-focused chains like Monero or Zcash. Aztec's innovative approach includes a unique execution layer via the Aztec Virtual Machine and client-side private transaction handling that keeps costs down through the PLONK proving system. This launch establishes a decentralized network with over 100 sequencers already in its Devnet and Provernet ecosystems from the outset.

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