Aleph Zero has launched its client-focused zero-knowledge operating system, zkOS, which brings ZK privacy to users. Focused on privacy and scalability, the company is also launching its first feature of zkOS—Shielding—on its EVM Testnet.
Users can now experience zkOS’s shielding feature, which displays the speed and privacy capabilities of Aleph Zero’s zero-knowledge proof (ZK) technology optimizations. The Shielding Demo demonstrates the company’s commitment to developing practical privacy solutions for the blockchain industry.
With the zkOS, zero-knowledge proofs can be generated with data encrypted locally on the user’s device on the client side. This provides a high level of privacy for users without affecting transaction speed. Adam Gagol, Co-Founder & CTO of Aleph Zero, said:
“Privacy has long been a challenge in blockchain, often due to poor user experience. With today’s release, we’re delivering one of the fastest client-side ZK directly to users, combining privacy and performance. The release of the Shielding Demo offers a glimpse into how zkOS can bring privacy to DeFi without sacrificing speed or usability.”
How the Shielding Demo Works
Users can test Aleph Zero’s zkOS privacy layer through an intuitive interface. The following are the major aspects of the demo.
- Data Privacy: The zkOS generates zero-knowledge proofs locally on the user’s device. This ensures that data remains private and secure, providing security for the user.
- Transaction Flow: Users can generate ZK proofs, send transactions to a relayer, which are then executed on-chain in a secure manner with privacy as priority.
- Fast Proving Times: With the system delivering ZK proofs in 0.5-3 seconds on most devices, this demo shows zkOS’ speed and its minimal impact on transaction times.
While the privacy features will be built directly into the upcoming Common app, users can explore the Testnet version of zkOS to witness its capabilities.
Upcoming plans
The Shielding Demo test net launch is undoubtedly a major step in Aleph Zero’s journey, but there’s much more to come. The company is also working on making the zkOS more user-friendly and plans to introduce more privacy features, such as ZK-ID and anonymity revokers, to combat fraud.
Developers can easily integrate it with minimal cryptographic knowledge, which in addition to Aleph Zero’s rapid client-side ZK proof generation makes zkOS a critical tool for developers building privacy-centric applications across DeFi and other web3 sectors.
The zkOS also offers a fresh approach by delivering privacy solutions that balance user confidentiality with regulatory requirements, as privacy has become a major issue within the crypto and blockchain space.
Users can also manage their assets effectively and securely across multiple blockchains, further protecting their privacy. As the testnet is rolling out, Aleph Zero is also refining Shielding and zkOS for its Mainnet deployment.
Users who engage with the Shielding Demo will be able to be whitelisted for upcoming zkOS Beta testing on Aleph Zero’s EVM Mainnet.