Creating a global framework for interchain privacy: 2025 roadmap
Jan 23, 2025

In 2025, Aleph Zero will deliver key product releases that will restore privacy as the default—arming users with privacy-first solutions that bring peace of mind and usability without compromise.
The 2025 roadmap is filled with coming developments that are rooted in our core principles. Most important is the principle that privacy is, above all, a human right. Today, using standard blockchains typically means sharing too much of your financial history with the world. We’re here to change that!
Aleph Zero’s programmable privacy layer, zkOS, and its Shielder Software Development Kit (SDK) are the central parts of the delivery. Together, they’re bringing true privacy to web3 by making their groundbreaking infrastructure accessible and easy to use for everyone—on any chain.
Additionally, this year, the Aleph Zero Layer 1 network is primed to achieve full decentralization, along with delivering a host of additional benefits for community validators and nominators.
Let’s have a deeper look into Aleph Zero’s 2025 roadmap and exactly what you can expect from the Aleph Zero team in the coming months.
Stage I: Giving the network to the community—plus zkOS and Shielder SDK Mainnet releases
Aleph Zero Layer 1
The Aleph Zero Layer 1 network is already progressing rapidly towards the complete decentralization of the block finalization committee, as the Aleph Zero Foundation (AZF) is currently phasing itself out of its privileged role here.
Previously, blocks were being produced with a majority of community validators, while the Aleph Zero Foundation maintained a supermajority for block finalization––10 out of 14 nodes in the block finalization committee were run by Aleph Zero. This means that on Testnet, 9 out of the 10 AZF validators have now switched to selected community validators based on their performance (Mainnet is following soon). These community validators will participate within a rotational mechanism—fostering greater decentralization and inclusivity towards an Aleph Zero network that is wholly owned by the community.
zkOS and Shielder SDK
During this stage of development, zkOS is undergoing a limited Mainnet release. For security reasons, this release will be limited to AZERO tokens—and with a maximum shielded amount of 100 AZERO per user. We’re also completing the Shielder SDK Mainnet release at this stage. Shielder SDK is a software development kit designed to integrate all the functionality of zkOS into user interfaces, such as wallets and dApps.
Common
Common showcases Aleph Zero’s zkOS and Shielder SDK, which utilizes them to make DeFi private and benefit you in the real world–with privacy and ease of use.
Common makes token transfers and managing assets across multiple chains simple private, so users can focus on interacting—while not having to worry about who’s watching. Common Extension V1 is already out as an EVM-compatible wallet with private accounts, token shielding, and private-to-public transactions.
Stage II: Full decentralization, anonymity revoking, and whitelisting selected ERC20 tokens for shielding
Aleph Zero Layer 1
After building upon this foundation, for step two in the decentralization of the block finalization committee on Aleph Zero Layer 1, the curated list of community validators will begin rotating within the finalization committee in a fully permissionless manner. The last Aleph Zero Foundation node will be phased out—and the network will be completely powered by trusted community validators—and fully owned by the Aleph Zero community.
zkOS
After its limited Mainnet release in the previous stage, zkOS will implement anonymity revoking, shielding for selected ERC20 tokens, and staking on relayers, along with undergoing a full external audit.
Anonymity revocation will serve as a protection against bad actors. The revocation of a user’s anonymity will take place if and only if there is verified evidence of malicious activity involving their deposits into the system. While with selected ERC20 token shielding capabilities, users will be able to deposit and withdraw certain ERC20 tokens to and from their private accounts—giving them the option of completely private asset management.
Relayers and their role within zkOS and the Aleph Zero Layer 1
Relayers play a critical role within Aleph Zero zkOS, enabling private on-chain transactions. Essentially, users will be able to nominate trusted relayers to optimize the network’s performance and security while earning staking rewards. Nominated relayers will share part of their rewards with the nominators—similar to the case of validators and nominators on the Aleph Zero Layer 1 network. Additionally, a full external audit will be conducted. Upon its completion, certain security restrictions—such as financial limits—will be lifted.
Common
During this stage, Common will also undergo an audit of Shielder–privacy pool, along with the release of Common Mobile App, whitelisted ERC20 token shielding on Common Extension, and basic automatic yield generation on Common Smart Yield.
Stage III: Interchain shielding and private-to-private transfers
zkOS
Building on the selected ERC20 token shielding capabilities from the previous stage, zkOS will introduce interchain shielding. zkOS is designed to support a comprehensive interchain experience. Recognizing the interconnected nature of blockchain ecosystems, zkOS seamlessly integrates across chains, eliminating user-facing complexity. Tight integration with Across Protocol’s bridge will enable users to deposit or withdraw assets into the privacy pool from any supported blockchain as a single operation.
Next, fully-private transfers between zkOS users will be introduced. This means that zero information about the sender, recipient, or transaction (including token type and amount) will be publicly disclosed—ensuring complete privacy.
Common
When it comes to Common, private accounts on multiple supported blockchains will be available on Common Mobile App, along with autonomous yield rebalancing for optimized returns with Common Smart Yield.
Stage IV: Permissionless relayers and programmatic plugins
zkOS
At this stage, zkOS will roll out permissionless relayers and programmatic plugins. Any individual who is staking a sufficient amount of AZERO will be eligible to become a relayer, which will enable them to receive community nominations and actively participate in the network.
While with programmatic plugins, developers will now be able to write and integrate custom plugins into zkOS, which will allow for the addition of tailored logic and the transformation of zkOS into a highly-versatile framework.
Common
During this stage, Common Mobile App will gain support for payment cards and IBAN connections, Common Extension will see Private dApp connections, and Common Smart Yield will implement interchain yield optimization for max returns. Learn more here.

Shaping the future of Aleph Zero—and web3 privacy—together in 2025
2024 was a year of continuous building. As we evolve and deliver on the products that are fulfilling Aleph Zero’s mission to restore privacy within blockchain ecosystems, we are equally committed to collaborating with you, our community, during this year of results.
You can keep up-to-date with all our latest zkOS product developments on GitHub.
Stay connected with us to share your feedback: