What is Zcash (ZEC)? The Privacy Coin Using Zero-Knowledge Proofs (opens original article in a new tab)

Zcash is a privacy-focused cryptocurrency that uses zero-knowledge proofs (zk-SNARKs) to enable private transactions, launched in 2016 by the Electric Coin Company. It faces regulatory scrutiny and technical challenges, including a critical vulnerability discovered in 2026.

• Zcash uses zk-SNARKs to provide private or transparent transactions, similar to Bitcoin but with enhanced privacy features.
• The network has faced regulatory challenges and a critical vulnerability in its Orchard privacy pool in 2026, leading to a market crash.
• Zcash's development is decentralized, with community-driven upgrades and funding mechanisms, but recent internal conflicts and regulatory issues have impacted its stability.