Vintage privacy project Horizen relaunches as Layer 3 on Base
Privacy-focused project Horizen has deployed its mainnet as a Layer 3 execution layer on Coinbase's Base network.Summary
The long-standing privacy project Horizen has officially launched its mainnet as a Layer 3 execution layer on Base, completing a transition that began in February when the DAO decided to deprecate the legacy Layer 1 blockchain. Horizen Labs CEO Rob Viglione noted that this relaunch is more of a governance victory than a massive technological migration, as little of the original ZK-powered proof-of-work base layer is moving to the new proof-of-stake appchain.
The project, originally ZenCash, is now focused on making privacy a practical, regulatory-compliant option on Base, utilizing "selective disclosure" where privacy features are opt-in. This pivot follows a 2023 decision to remove shielded transactions from its mainnet due to regulatory backlash. Horizen Labs plans to fund development in areas like confidential finance and GambleFi with a $100 million ZEN program over five years.
By operating as a Layer 3, Horizen Labs can focus on middleware and value-adds, partnering with infrastructure providers like Caldera and LayerZero, rather than building everything from scratch. The decision to launch on Base, rather than an Arbitrum Orbit chain, was a business choice driven by the desire to tap into Coinbase's ecosystem distribution and perceived support for privacy from Base creator Jesse Pollak.
(Source：The Block)