London-based buy now, pay later outfit Zilch has received an investment from e-commerce giant eBay at a $2 billion valuation. The investment, revealed in Companies House filings and first reported by The Telegraph, is in the low single-digit millions.

Zilch secures eBay investment

Buy now, pay later turned ad-subsidised payments network Zilch has secured a deal with eBay that sees its valuation remain at £1.65bn ($2bn). As first reported by The Telegraph, the fintech, founded by Philip Belamant and Sean O'Connor in 2019 ...

Zilch scores deal with eBay and holds $2bn valuation

A British rival to Swedish buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) giant Klarna has secured investment from eBay in a deal that valued it at $2bn (£1.65bn). Zilch, a UK payments company founded in 2018, is understood to have received a low single digit million equity investment from eBay Ventures. The company declined to comment.

British Klarna rival valued at £1.65bn as it wins backing of eBay

Honda and GM had announced that the brands would combine efforts in order to work on EVs that would make use of next-gen Ultium battery tech.

Love in the time of profit? Honda-GM affair over cheap EVs comes to zilch

That's the amount of experience Florida State football wide receiver Keon Coleman had in returning punts in a game prior to this season. But upon his arrival from Michigan State from the NCAA Transfer Portal this past offseason, Coleman requested FSU head ...

Keon Coleman thriving in punt return duties for FSU football despite little experience

What your heard down the pub versus the reality can often disappoint. But the sobering reality of company closures is absolutely worth knowing.

Can a failed company director really keep the Bentley, give staff zilch, and just set up a new biz?

Fox News' Sean Hannity and Republican Rep. Jim Jordan were also ridiculed by the "Deadline: White House" anchor.

MSNBC's Nicolle Wallace Hits Donald Trump With Stinging House Reality Check

Up Wi' The Bonnets podcastJust as quickly as this will be published, in less than 24 hours, it will be out of date. That's because we have absolutely nothing to speak about. Zilch. Storm Babet saw Saturday night's game away to Aberdeen postponed,

Dundee looking to end 24-day wait with a win

Bloomberg unveils innovative companies reinventing medicine, entertainment, finance, autonomous driving, data analysis and more.

These Are the Top 25 UK Startups to Watch This Year

The House of Representatives remains without a leader after the preferred candidate of the far-right wing of the Republican party, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), failed to gain enough votes to be elected speaker. Jordan is a polarizing member within the GOP ...

Claims Rep. Jim Jordan has never passed a law need context

Zilch

zilch

RAMAT GAN, Israel, November 14th, 2024/Chainwire/--Layer-3 Blockchain Brings High-Speed, Stable, Zero-Gas Transactions and a Complete Web3 Ecosystem Bridging Web2 and Web3 Playnance, a leader in Web3 technology, announces the launch of PlayBlock, a cutting-edge Layer-3 blockchain that is transforming the landscape for trading, gaming, and decentralized finance (DeFi). With PlayBlock as the foundation, Playnance aims to drive mass Web3 adoption by offering zero-gas transactions, USD-pegged stability via USDP, and seamless Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility to provide users with a smooth, accessible path from Web2 to Web3. The Playnance Ecosystem: Five Core Components to Drive Mass Web3 Adoption Playnance has developed a cohesive ecosystem centered around five integrated components, each designed to simplify and enhance the Web3 experience: PlayBlock Blockchain: A high-speed, EVM-compatible, gas-free blockchain supporting up to 40,000 transactions per second (TPS). PlayBlock, built with Arbitrum Orbit and Gelato’s Rollups-as-a-Service, ensures fast, scalable transactions suited for both gaming and trading.
Playnance Studio: A Web3 gaming studio offering a collection of blockchain games built on PlayBlock, delivering secure, transparent, and engaging experiences.
Playnance Bridge (CoinsExchange.com): Powered by the Playnance Bridge on CoinsExchange.com, users can effortlessly swap assets with zero in-and-out fees, providing an affordable entry to the Playnance ecosystem.
PlayWall Wallet and dApp Store: A decentralized wallet and application hub for PlayBlock dApps, PlayWall simplifies the storage and management of digital assets and will soon launch as a one-stop destination for Web3 applications.
Playnance Partners: A partner network offering white-label solutions and development support, enabling businesses to integrate with Playnance’s ecosystem and connect with a growing Web3 audience. PlayBlock Benefits for Traders, Gamers, and Developers For Traders Zero-Gas Fees: PlayBlock’s gas-free transactions make Web3 trading affordable and accessible. USD-Pegged Stability: PlayBlock uses USDP, a stablecoin pegged to USD, to provide reliable, secure transactions. High-Speed Transactions: Supporting high-frequency trades, PlayBlock’s infrastructure is optimized for both professional and retail trading. For Gamers Cost-Free Play: Gas-free interactions allow users to engage in GameFi without extra costs, enabling a more inclusive experience. Transparent and Fair: All gameplay and transactions are secured on-chain, ensuring a fair and trustworthy environment. PlayWall dApp Store: The soon-to-launch PlayWall dApp Store will provide easy access to all PlayBlock-based games and applications. For Developers and Partners Developer-Friendly, EVM-Compatible Platform:  PlayBlock supports Solidity and provides comprehensive SDKs and APIs for efficient integration. Partnership and White-Label Solutions: Playnance Partners offers extensive support for businesses looking to expand their reach into Web3 through white-label solutions. Playnance’s Vision: Driving Web3 Adoption from Web2 to Web3 PlayBlock and the Playnance ecosystem were developed to make Web3 accessible, scalable, and user-friendly," said Pini, CEO of Playnance. "With offices in Ramat Gan, Israel, and Dubai, UAE, we’re committed to bridging Web2 users into the decentralized world through an ecosystem that combines zero-gas transactions, stablecoin reliability, and innovative blockchain technology”. About Playnance Playnance, headquartered in Ramat Gan, Israel, with offices in Dubai, UAE, is a comprehensive Web3 ecosystem focused on transforming the user experience in trading, gaming, and DeFi. By integrating zero-gas transactions, USDP stablecoin, and EVM compatibility within the PlayBlock blockchain, Playnance is dedicated to creating a seamless, accessible transition to Web3 for a global user base. For more information on PlayBlock and the Playnance ecosystem, users can visit PlayBlock's official website or join PlayBlock's community. Contact Founder,CEO Pini Peter Playnance Pini@playnance.com This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here RAMAT GAN, Israel, November 14th, 2024/Chainwire/--Layer-3 Blockchain Brings High-Speed, Stable, Zero-Gas Transactions and a Complete Web3 Ecosystem Bridging Web2 and Web3 Playnance, a leader in Web3 technology, announces the launch of PlayBlock, a cutting-edge Layer-3 blockchain that is transforming the landscape for trading, gaming, and decentralized finance (DeFi). With PlayBlock as the foundation, Playnance aims to drive mass Web3 adoption by offering zero-gas transactions, USD-pegged stability via USDP, and seamless Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility to provide users with a smooth, accessible path from Web2 to Web3. The Playnance Ecosystem: Five Core Components to Drive Mass Web3 Adoption Playnance has developed a cohesive ecosystem centered around five integrated components, each designed to simplify and enhance the Web3 experience: PlayBlock Blockchain: A high-speed, EVM-compatible, gas-free blockchain supporting up to 40,000 transactions per second (TPS). PlayBlock, built with Arbitrum Orbit and Gelato’s Rollups-as-a-Service, ensures fast, scalable transactions suited for both gaming and trading. Playnance Studio: A Web3 gaming studio offering a collection of blockchain games built on PlayBlock, delivering secure, transparent, and engaging experiences. Playnance Bridge (CoinsExchange.com): Powered by the Playnance Bridge on CoinsExchange.com, users can effortlessly swap assets with zero in-and-out fees, providing an affordable entry to the Playnance ecosystem. PlayWall Wallet and dApp Store: A decentralized wallet and application hub for PlayBlock dApps, PlayWall simplifies the storage and management of digital assets and will soon launch as a one-stop destination for Web3 applications. Playnance Partners: A partner network offering white-label solutions and development support, enabling businesses to integrate with Playnance’s ecosystem and connect with a growing Web3 audience. PlayBlock Blockchain: A high-speed, EVM-compatible, gas-free blockchain supporting up to 40,000 transactions per second (TPS). PlayBlock, built with Arbitrum Orbit and Gelato’s Rollups-as-a-Service, ensures fast, scalable transactions suited for both gaming and trading. Playnance Studio: A Web3 gaming studio offering a collection of blockchain games built on PlayBlock, delivering secure, transparent, and engaging experiences. Playnance Bridge ( CoinsExchange.com ): Powered by the Playnance Bridge on CoinsExchange.com , users can effortlessly swap assets with zero in-and-out fees, providing an affordable entry to the Playnance ecosystem. CoinsExchange.com CoinsExchange.com PlayWall Wallet and dApp Store: A decentralized wallet and application hub for PlayBlock dApps, PlayWall simplifies the storage and management of digital assets and will soon launch as a one-stop destination for Web3 applications. Playnance Partners: A partner network offering white-label solutions and development support, enabling businesses to integrate with Playnance’s ecosystem and connect with a growing Web3 audience. PlayBlock Benefits for Traders, Gamers, and Developers For Traders Zero-Gas Fees: PlayBlock’s gas-free transactions make Web3 trading affordable and accessible. USD-Pegged Stability: PlayBlock uses USDP, a stablecoin pegged to USD, to provide reliable, secure transactions. High-Speed Transactions: Supporting high-frequency trades, PlayBlock’s infrastructure is optimized for both professional and retail trading. For Gamers Cost-Free Play: Gas-free interactions allow users to engage in GameFi without extra costs, enabling a more inclusive experience. Transparent and Fair: All gameplay and transactions are secured on-chain, ensuring a fair and trustworthy environment. PlayWall dApp Store: The soon-to-launch PlayWall dApp Store will provide easy access to all PlayBlock-based games and applications. For Developers and Partners Developer-Friendly, EVM-Compatible Platform:  PlayBlock supports Solidity and provides comprehensive SDKs and APIs for efficient integration. Partnership and White-Label Solutions: Playnance Partners offers extensive support for businesses looking to expand their reach into Web3 through white-label solutions. Playnance’s Vision: Driving Web3 Adoption from Web2 to Web3 PlayBlock and the Playnance ecosystem were developed to make Web3 accessible, scalable, and user-friendly," said Pini, CEO of Playnance. PlayBlock and the Playnance ecosystem were developed to make Web3 accessible, scalable, and user-friendly," said Pini, CEO of Playnance. "With offices in Ramat Gan, Israel, and Dubai, UAE, we’re committed to bridging Web2 users into the decentralized world through an ecosystem that combines zero-gas transactions, stablecoin reliability, and innovative blockchain technology”. "With offices in Ramat Gan, Israel, and Dubai, UAE, we’re committed to bridging Web2 users into the decentralized world through an ecosystem that combines zero-gas transactions, stablecoin reliability, and innovative blockchain technology”. About Playnance Playnance, headquartered in Ramat Gan, Israel, with offices in Dubai, UAE, is a comprehensive Web3 ecosystem focused on transforming the user experience in trading, gaming, and DeFi. By integrating zero-gas transactions, USDP stablecoin, and EVM compatibility within the PlayBlock blockchain, Playnance is dedicated to creating a seamless, accessible transition to Web3 for a global user base. For more information on PlayBlock and the Playnance ecosystem, users can visit PlayBlock's official website or join PlayBlock's community. Contact Founder,CEO Pini Peter Playnance Pini@playnance.com Pini@playnance.com This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here here here

Playnance Launches PlayBlock:The Future Of Zero-Gas Blockchain For Trading, Gaming And Web3 Adoption

أطلقت شركة Playnance خدمة PlayBlock: مستقبل تقنية Blockchain الخالية من الغاز للتداول والألعاب وتبني Web3

Playnance lansira PlayBlock: Budućnost blokčeina bez gasa za trgovanje, igranje i usvajanje Web3

Playnance lanza PlayBlock: el futuro de la blockchain sin gas para el comercio, los juegos y la adopción de la Web3

Playnance が PlayBlock をリリース: トレーディング、ゲーム、Web3 導入のためのゼロガス ブロックチェーンの未来

Playnance ເປີດຕົວ PlayBlock: ອະນາຄົດຂອງ Zero-Gas Blockchain ສໍາລັບການຊື້ຂາຍ, ການຫຼິ້ນເກມແລະການຮັບຮອງເອົາ Web3

Playnance dia namoaka ny PlayBlock: Ny hoavin'ny Zero-Gas Blockchain ho an'ny varotra, lalao ary ny fananganana Web3

Playnance запускает PlayBlock: будущее блокчейна с нулевым потреблением газа для торговли, игр и внедрения Web3

Playnance Yatangije PlayBlock: Ejo hazaza ha Zero-Gazi Guhagarika Ubucuruzi, Gukina na Web3 Kwakira

Playnance wuxuu bilaabay PlayBlock: Mustaqbalka Zero-Gas Blockchain ee Ganacsiga, Ciyaaraha iyo Korsashada Web3

Playnance PlayBlock-ро оғоз мекунад: Ояндаи блокчейни сифр-газ барои савдо, бозӣ ва қабули Web3

“Playnance” “PlayBlock” -y işe girizýär: Söwda, oýun we web3 kabul etmek üçin nol gaz blokçasynyň geljegi

Playnance ra mắt PlayBlock: Tương lai của Blockchain không gas cho giao dịch, trò chơi và áp dụng Web3

Imagine creating your own blockchain as easily as launching a website—no complicated setup, no big servers, just full control in your hands. That's the vision behind Sasha Ivanov's latest project, the Units Network (the link/domain is also literally units.network, neat). In this article, I break down the technical concepts behind this innovative platform and explores its potential impact on blockchain accessibility. Technical Foundations Explained The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) acts as the engine powering applications on Ethereum. Think of it as an Excel spreadsheet, where smart contracts are like formulas—small pieces of code containing specific instructions. Being EVM-compatible means a blockchain can run the same applications that work on Ethereum, similar to how Microsoft Windows provides a common platform for computer applications. Layer 0 Architecture While blockchains like Ethereum are typically called Layer 1 (the foundation layer), Units Network operates at Layer 0—an even deeper level. Picture it as the road system beneath a city: Layer 0 connects multiple Layer 1 blockchains, enabling them to communicate and share data securely without intermediaries. This creates a master framework for blockchain interoperability. Staking Mechanisms Liquid Staking Traditional staking requires locking up cryptocurrency to secure the network in exchange for rewards. Liquid staking advances this concept by allowing users to stake their assets while maintaining liquidity—imagine earning interest on a savings account while still having access to your funds. Proof of Stake and Restake Units Network employs Proof of Stake (PoS), where users stake crypto instead of using computing power to secure the network. The platform innovates further with Proof of Restake, which efficiently recycles security across multiple blockchains, enhancing scalability without additional resource requirements. Interoperability So yes, in essence with stake and restake we are recycling  trust and security from one blockchain and apply it to many others, but that’s the compromise to make it work and operable. And everything needs to be operable on scale while also maintaining interoperability. Classic example, sending emails between Gmail and Yahoo accounts. Units Network eliminates the need for vulnerable bridges between blockchains by building native communication capabilities into its architecture. Interoperability is really just a fancy word for "things working together." Backwards compatibility is the same but with old stuff. Like being able to use an old printer from way back because your new laptop comes with an adapter for the old laptop’s printer. Or imagine trying to send an email from Gmail to a Yahoo address—without interoperability, that wouldn’t work! In the blockchain world, different blockchains often can’t talk to each other, which causes all sorts of headaches. Not to mention, the whole concept of crypto is removing the human element. Machines talking to each other. So if you mess something up, there is no mercy. Type in a wrong number, and the wrong number it is. But that’s an extreme case, and usually there are safety measures in place. So the Units Network is built to ensure that all the blockchains it supports can communicate seamlessly, without needing awkward "bridges" (which are sometimes vulnerable to hacks). I Watched Every Sasha Ivanov AMA So You Don't Have To If you do research online right now, the latest updates and news on both Waves and Units Network highlight developments. There are also several new AMAs to dig through, so here is the summary. Sasha Ivanov is the founder of both projects. He is easy to reach and your go-to-contact for these projects. He doesn’t mind critical questions either, green flag there. Next, the tech (most of which I explained above, so this is a bit of a recap really) The Units Network Launch and Features Platform Overview Built on the Waves blockchain, Units Network positions itself as a Layer 0 solution facilitating the creation of interconnected EVM-compatible chains. The platform emphasizes: Simple blockchain deployment
Autonomous yet interconnected Layer 1 chains
Decentralized control
Seamless scalability Launch Details and Governance Token Generation Event (TGE) - Soon, possibly this quarter!
Public testing phase with incentivized participation
Power Protocol implementation for community-driven governance
Anti-farming measures to prevent airdrop exploitation Future Developments The platform is expanding into: Real-world asset tokenization
Hybrid stablecoin development backed by both crypto and tangible assets
Simplified integration systems for existing applications “ I don’t get it, what can I actually do with it”? In the news, we read the more complicated version of Units Network, the easy peezy chain builder. “It’s built atop the Waves blockchain and aims to facilitate the creation of interconnected EVM-compatible chains to ensure scalability and decentralization….” Combine this with some small talk and the occasional slip up, and it can be quite hard to follow any speaking engagements or interviews unless you are very used to the technical mambo jumbo, but that’s not a waves or units but a crypto and tech thing. Same with the internet. I couldn’t explain to you how exactly it works, can you? I just open up a browser and surf. That’s what Units is aiming for in a nutshell. So this is why one of the standout features of Units Network is its commitment to simplifying blockchain launches. Ivanov likens the process to the simplicity of token launches on Waves back in 2016, which made it accessible to many. No big overhead for tons of devs, no need for complex infrastructure like validator nodes​. Conclusion The Units Network represents a significant step toward democratizing blockchain technology. By simplifying the creation and management of blockchain networks, it opens up possibilities for broader adoption and innovation in the space. Just as website builders transformed web development, Units Network aims to make blockchain technology accessible to a wider audience while maintaining the security and functionality that makes blockchain valuable. For the latest updates and detailed information, users can connect directly with founder Sasha Ivanov, known for his openness to discussion and critical feedback. Imagine creating your own blockchain as easily as launching a website—no complicated setup, no big servers, just full control in your hands. That's the vision behind Sasha Ivanov's latest project, the Units Network (the link/domain is also literally units.network , neat). units.network In this article, I break down the technical concepts behind this innovative platform and explores its potential impact on blockchain accessibility. Technical Foundations Explained The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) The Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) acts as the engine powering applications on Ethereum. Think of it as an Excel spreadsheet, where smart contracts are like formulas—small pieces of code containing specific instructions. Being EVM-compatible means a blockchain can run the same applications that work on Ethereum, similar to how Microsoft Windows provides a common platform for computer applications. Layer 0 Architecture While blockchains like Ethereum are typically called Layer 1 (the foundation layer), Units Network operates at Layer 0—an even deeper level. Picture it as the road system beneath a city: Layer 0 connects multiple Layer 1 blockchains, enabling them to communicate and share data securely without intermediaries. This creates a master framework for blockchain interoperability . interoperability Staking Mechanisms Liquid Staking Traditional staking requires locking up cryptocurrency to secure the network in exchange for rewards. Liquid staking advances this concept by allowing users to stake their assets while maintaining liquidity—imagine earning interest on a savings account while still having access to your funds. Proof of Stake and Restake Units Network employs Proof of Stake (PoS), where users stake crypto instead of using computing power to secure the network. The platform innovates further with Proof of Restake, which efficiently recycles security across multiple blockchains, enhancing scalability without additional resource requirements. Interoperability So yes, in essence with stake and restake we are recycling  trust and security from one blockchain and apply it to many others, but that’s the compromise to make it work and operable. And everything needs to be operable on scale while also maintaining interoperability. Classic example, sending emails between Gmail and Yahoo accounts. Units Network eliminates the need for vulnerable bridges between blockchains by building native communication capabilities into its architecture. Interoperability is really just a fancy word for "things working together." Backwards compatibility is the same but with old stuff. Like being able to use an old printer from way back because your new laptop comes with an adapter for the old laptop’s printer. Or imagine trying to send an email from Gmail to a Yahoo address—without interoperability, that wouldn’t work! In the blockchain world, different blockchains often can’t talk to each other, which causes all sorts of headaches. Not to mention, the whole concept of crypto is removing the human element. Machines talking to each other. So if you mess something up, there is no mercy. Type in a wrong number, and the wrong number it is. But that’s an extreme case, and usually there are safety measures in place. So the Units Network is built to ensure that all the blockchains it supports can communicate seamlessly, without needing awkward "bridges" (which are sometimes vulnerable to hacks). I Watched Every Sasha Ivanov AMA So You Don't Have To If you do research online right now, the latest updates and news on both Waves and Units Network highlight developments. There are also several new AMAs to dig through, so here is the summary. Sasha Ivanov is the founder of both projects. He is easy to reach and your go-to-contact for these projects. He doesn’t mind critical questions either, green flag there. Next, the tech (most of which I explained above, so this is a bit of a recap really) The Units Network Launch and Features Platform Overview Built on the Waves blockchain, Units Network positions itself as a Layer 0 solution facilitating the creation of interconnected EVM-compatible chains. The platform emphasizes: Simple blockchain deployment Autonomous yet interconnected Layer 1 chains Decentralized control Seamless scalability Simple blockchain deployment Autonomous yet interconnected Layer 1 chains Decentralized control Seamless scalability Launch Details and Governance Token Generation Event (TGE) - Soon, possibly this quarter! Public testing phase with incentivized participation Power Protocol implementation for community-driven governance Anti-farming measures to prevent airdrop exploitation Token Generation Event (TGE) - Soon, possibly this quarter! Public testing phase with incentivized participation testing phase Power Protocol implementation for community-driven governance Anti-farming measures to prevent airdrop exploitation Future Developments The platform is expanding into: Real-world asset tokenization Hybrid stablecoin development backed by both crypto and tangible assets Simplified integration systems for existing applications Real-world asset tokenization Hybrid stablecoin development backed by both crypto and tangible assets Simplified integration systems for existing applications “ I don’t get it, what can I actually do with it”? “ I don’t get it, what can I actually do with it”? In the news, we read the more complicated version of Units Network, the easy peezy chain builder. “It’s built atop the Waves blockchain and aims to facilitate the creation of interconnected EVM-compatible chains to ensure scalability and decentralization….” “It’s built atop the Waves blockchain and aims to facilitate the creation of interconnected EVM-compatible chains to ensure scalability and decentralization….” Combine this with some small talk and the occasional slip up, and it can be quite hard to follow any speaking engagements or interviews unless you are very used to the technical mambo jumbo, but that’s not a waves or units but a crypto and tech thing. Same with the internet. I couldn’t explain to you how exactly it works, can you? I just open up a browser and surf. That’s what Units is aiming for in a nutshell. So this is why one of the standout features of Units Network is its commitment to simplifying blockchain launches. Ivanov likens the process to the simplicity of token launches on Waves back in 2016, which made it accessible to many. No big overhead for tons of devs, no need for complex infrastructure like validator nodes​. Conclusion The Units Network represents a significant step toward democratizing blockchain technology. By simplifying the creation and management of blockchain networks, it opens up possibilities for broader adoption and innovation in the space. Just as website builders transformed web development, Units Network aims to make blockchain technology accessible to a wider audience while maintaining the security and functionality that makes blockchain valuable. For the latest updates and detailed information, users can connect directly with founder Sasha Ivanov, known for his openness to discussion and critical feedback.

Units: Zero to Blockchain in Minutes (No PhD Required)

**ZUG, Switzerland, October 17th, 2024/Chainwire/--**Most zero-knowledge proofs are generated server-side for scaling, but Aleph Zero’s zkOS does that directly on users’ devices, offering privacy in a fraction of second. Aleph Zero, the leading blockchain platform recognized for its focus on privacy and scalability, announces the launch of the first feature of zkOS (zero-knowledge operating system)—Shielding, on its EVM Testnet. This release marks the first opportunity for users to experience the shielding feature of zkOS in action, demonstrating the speed and privacy capabilities of Aleph Zero’s zero-knowledge proof (ZK) technology optimizations. Privacy at Lightning Speed The Shielding Demo release is a significant milestone for Aleph Zero, representing its commitment to developing practical privacy solutions for the blockchain industry. Aleph Zero’s zkOS enables zero-knowledge proofs to be generated client-side—meaning data is encrypted locally on the user’s device and never leaves unencrypted—providing high levels of privacy without compromising transaction speed. The Shielding Demo serves as the first practical interface for users to experience this privacy functionality, with zero-knowledge proofs generated within 0.5-3 seconds, ensuring that privacy has minimal impact on transaction performance. “Privacy has long been a challenge in blockchain, often due to poor user experience,” said Adam Gagol, Co-Founder & CTO of Aleph Zero. “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 The Shielding Demo provides an intuitive interface for users to test Aleph Zero’s zkOS privacy layer. Here’s how it works: Data Privacy: zkOS generates zero-knowledge proofs locally on the user’s device, ensuring that data remains private and secure.
Transaction Flow: Users generate ZK proofs, send transactions to a relayer, and then they are executed on-chain—all while maintaining privacy.
Fast Proving Times: The system delivers ZK proofs in 0.5-3 seconds on most devices, demonstrating zkOS’s speed and its minimal impact on transaction times. The Testnet version of zkOS allows users to interact with the system and witness its capabilities, though Aleph Zero notes that the privacy features will be built directly into the upcoming Common app. Why zkOS Matters: A Glimpse Into the Future The launch of the Shielding Demo on Testnet is only the beginning. Aleph Zero's roadmap for zkOS extends far beyond this initial release, with ongoing work on simplifying the user experience and the introduction of additional privacy features, such as ZK-ID and anonymity revokers, to ensure both privacy and protection against fraudulent use of the platform. The system is designed to be easily integrated by developers, providing a privacy framework that requires minimal cryptographic knowledge. This simplicity, combined with 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. Unlocking Privacy for New Use Case The privacy space in blockchain has been facing increased challenges, such as regulatory scrutiny and delistings, often due to concerns over non-compliance. Aleph Zero’s zkOS offers a fresh approach by delivering privacy solutions that balance user confidentiality with regulatory requirements. Instead of focusing solely on anonymity, zkOS is designed to meet both the needs of users and the evolving demands of compliance. zkOS enables users to manage their assets securely across multiple blockchains, ensuring their transactions remain private. Unlike traditional privacy methods that rely on centralized or hardware-based systems, zkOS operates directly on the client-side, safeguarding privacy without external dependencies. Next Steps for Aleph Zero As the Testnet release progresses, Aleph Zero is focusing on refining Shielding and zkOS for its Mainnet deployment. Users who engage with the Shielding Demo will have the opportunity to be whitelisted for upcoming zkOS Beta testing on Aleph Zero’s EVM Mainnet. About Aleph Zero Aleph Zero is an ecosystem of blockchain solutions that are engineered for speed, data confidentiality, and ease of development. It achieves efficiencies akin to conventional web2 systems, upholds rigorous standards for data protection via zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP), and offers a comprehensive toolset for development across web3, ranging from WASM-based Rust to EVM-based Solidity environments. Aleph Zero’s versatility is highlighted by over 40 use cases being actively developed, showcasing its adaptability across various sectors and applications. These use cases are part of an engaged community and growing ecosystem of web3 applications supported by Aleph Zero programs. For more information, visit https://alephzero.org/. For any inquiries about this release, please contact josh@serotonin.co or ana@serotonin.co. Contact PR Manager Josh Adams Aleph Zero josh@serotonin.co This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. **ZUG, Switzerland, October 17th, 2024/Chainwire/--**Most zero-knowledge proofs are generated server-side for scaling, but Aleph Zero’s zkOS does that directly on users’ devices, offering privacy in a fraction of second. Aleph Zero , the leading blockchain platform recognized for its focus on privacy and scalability, announces the launch of the first feature of zkOS (zero-knowledge operating system)—Shielding, on its EVM Testnet. This release marks the first opportunity for users to experience the shielding feature of zkOS in action, demonstrating the speed and privacy capabilities of Aleph Zero’s zero-knowledge proof (ZK) technology optimizations. Aleph Zero Aleph Zero zkOS zkOS Privacy at Lightning Speed The Shielding Demo release is a significant milestone for Aleph Zero, representing its commitment to developing practical privacy solutions for the blockchain industry. Aleph Zero’s zkOS enables zero-knowledge proofs to be generated client-side—meaning data is encrypted locally on the user’s device and never leaves unencrypted—providing high levels of privacy without compromising transaction speed. Shielding Demo Shielding Demo The Shielding Demo serves as the first practical interface for users to experience this privacy functionality, with zero-knowledge proofs generated within 0.5-3 seconds, ensuring that privacy has minimal impact on transaction performance. “Privacy has long been a challenge in blockchain, often due to poor user experience,” said Adam Gagol, Co-Founder & CTO of Aleph Zero. “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.” “Privacy has long been a challenge in blockchain, often due to poor user experience,” said Adam Gagol, Co-Founder & CTO of Aleph Zero. “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 The Shielding Demo provides an intuitive interface for users to test Aleph Zero’s zkOS privacy layer. Here’s how it works: Data Privacy: zkOS generates zero-knowledge proofs locally on the user’s device, ensuring that data remains private and secure. Transaction Flow: Users generate ZK proofs, send transactions to a relayer, and then they are executed on-chain—all while maintaining privacy. Fast Proving Times: The system delivers ZK proofs in 0.5-3 seconds on most devices, demonstrating zkOS’s speed and its minimal impact on transaction times. Data Privacy: zkOS generates zero-knowledge proofs locally on the user’s device, ensuring that data remains private and secure. Transaction Flow: Users generate ZK proofs, send transactions to a relayer, and then they are executed on-chain—all while maintaining privacy. Fast Proving Times: The system delivers ZK proofs in 0.5-3 seconds on most devices, demonstrating zkOS’s speed and its minimal impact on transaction times. The Testnet version of zkOS allows users to interact with the system and witness its capabilities, though Aleph Zero notes that the privacy features will be built directly into the upcoming Common app. Why zkOS Matters: A Glimpse Into the Future The launch of the Shielding Demo on Testnet is only the beginning. Aleph Zero's roadmap for zkOS extends far beyond this initial release, with ongoing work on simplifying the user experience and the introduction of additional privacy features, such as ZK-ID and anonymity revokers, to ensure both privacy and protection against fraudulent use of the platform. The system is designed to be easily integrated by developers, providing a privacy framework that requires minimal cryptographic knowledge. This simplicity, combined with 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. Unlocking Privacy for New Use Case The privacy space in blockchain has been facing increased challenges, such as regulatory scrutiny and delistings, often due to concerns over non-compliance. Aleph Zero’s zkOS offers a fresh approach by delivering privacy solutions that balance user confidentiality with regulatory requirements. Instead of focusing solely on anonymity, zkOS is designed to meet both the needs of users and the evolving demands of compliance. zkOS enables users to manage their assets securely across multiple blockchains, ensuring their transactions remain private. Unlike traditional privacy methods that rely on centralized or hardware-based systems, zkOS operates directly on the client-side, safeguarding privacy without external dependencies. Next Steps for Aleph Zero As the Testnet release progresses, Aleph Zero is focusing on refining Shielding and zkOS for its Mainnet deployment. Users who engage with the Shielding Demo will have the opportunity to be whitelisted for upcoming zkOS Beta testing on Aleph Zero’s EVM Mainnet. About Aleph Zero Aleph Zero is an ecosystem of blockchain solutions that are engineered for speed, data confidentiality, and ease of development. It achieves efficiencies akin to conventional web2 systems, upholds rigorous standards for data protection via zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP), and offers a comprehensive toolset for development across web3, ranging from WASM-based Rust to EVM-based Solidity environments. Aleph Zero’s versatility is highlighted by over 40 use cases being actively developed, showcasing its adaptability across various sectors and applications. These use cases are part of an engaged community and growing ecosystem of web3 applications supported by Aleph Zero programs. For more information, visit https://alephzero.org/ . For any inquiries about this release, please contact josh@serotonin.co or ana@serotonin.co. https://alephzero.org/ https://alephzero.org/ Contact PR Manager Josh Adams Aleph Zero josh@serotonin.co This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here . here here

Aleph Zero Launches Subsecond Shielding on Testnet, Delivering Client-Side ZK Privacy For DeFi

Aleph Zero стартира Subsecond Shielding в Testnet, предоставяйки ZK поверителност от страна на клиента за DeFi

Aleph Zero pokreće Subsecond Shielding na Testnetu, pružajući ZK privatnost na strani klijenta za DeFi

Aleph Zero spouští Subsecond Shielding na Testnetu a poskytuje soukromí ZK na straně klienta pro DeFi

Aleph Zero lanza protección de subsegundos en Testnet, brindando privacidad ZK del lado del cliente para DeFi

Aleph Zero-k Testnet-en azpisegundoko babesa abiarazten du, DeFi-rako bezeroaren aldetik ZK pribatutasuna eskainiz

Aleph Zero lanse Subsecond Shielding sou Testnet, bay konfidansyalite ZK bò kliyan pou DeFi.

Aleph Zero がテストネットでサブセカンドシールドを開始、DeFi にクライアント側の ZK プライバシーを提供

Aleph Zero Abandi Blindage ya Sous-second na Testnet, Azali Kopesa Bomoi Ya ZK Ya Côté Client Pona DeFi

Aleph Zero ievieš apakšsekundes ekrānu tīklā Testnet, nodrošinot klienta puses ZK konfidencialitāti DeFi

الیف زیرو په ټیسټنیټ کې فرعي ثانیې شیلډینګ پیل کړ ، د DeFi لپاره د پیرودونکي اړخ ZK محرمیت وړاندې کوي

ኣለፍ ዜሮ ኣብ ቴስትኔት ንኡስ ካልኢት ሺልዲንግ ኣበጊሱ፡ ንዲፊ ብወገን ዓሚል ZK ብሕታዊነት ኣቕሪቡ።

I-Aleph Zero ikhupha i-Subsecond Shielding kwi-Testnet, ihambisa uMthengi-kwicala le-ZK yaBucala kwi-DeFi

Everything You Need to Know About Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) Technology

**LONDON, UK, October 16th, 2024/Chainwire/--**Polkadot drives forward ecosystem-wide transformation with 24/7 hacking and masterclasses from industry greats. WebZero, a global event and DevRel force is presenting sub0 reset, the leading developer conference for the Polkadot & Substrate ecosystem from November 9-11, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand. sub0 reset is the first and only Substrate development conference, bringing together the best developers and builders of Web3 in a spectacular five-floor industrial venue, complete with a rooftop beach and catering and drinks from a private chef. Attendees will have the chance to learn from industry legends, including senior figures from the Web3 Foundation and founders of Polkadot, as well as meet like-minded partners to build next-generation apps and tools with Substrate in our 24/7 hackspace. Fabian Gompf, CEO of Web3 Foundation, said: “Great to see sub0 come back with a fresh concept showcasing the talent in the Polkadot ecosystem. It’s a perfect opportunity for developers, investors and industry leaders to come together and build solutions on Substrate that will have a real impact”. Attendees can expect to learn about the latest projects building with Substrate, how to build with Substrate’s modular SDK and other emerging components in the Polkadot tech stack, with industry leaders such as Polkadot co-founder Robert Habermeier, Mythical Games founder John Linden and Nova Wallet founder Anton Khvorov taking to the stage and sharing their wisdom with guests throughout the 3-day event. sub0 kicks off with a dedicated education day, ranging from no-holds-barred analysis of the state of Web3, to barcamp deep-dives on building on Substrate. Day two is Modularity Day, with discussions from leading innovators at Avail, R0gue, Midnight and Parity. Day three is JAM & Scalability day, building out Polkadot’s founder Gavin Wood’s vision to transform the ecosystem into the world’s first global computer. The venue’s 24/7 hackerspace will give new teams the chance to co-work and compete for 10k USD in bounties. Practical Details Sub0 reset is taking place at 127 Na Ranong Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok from 9-11 November, 2024. A limited supply of free tickets for sub0 reset are available here. The event runs from 10 AM until late each day, make sure to subscribe to the WebZero Luma for full scheduling opportunities. The hackerspace runs 24 hours a day, ensuring developers can build at all hours of the night with food and beverages provided free of charge. Media lounge and recording rooms are provided. For any further media enquiries, users can contact media@joinwebzero.com ABOUT WEebZero WebZero is a developer experience builder that is establishing a hybrid between event production and developer relations, based on its own unique vision and methodology. Contact Comms/PR manager Jonathan Duran Distractive jonathan@distractive.xyz This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. **LONDON, UK, October 16th, 2024/Chainwire/--**Polkadot drives forward ecosystem-wide transformation with 24/7 hacking and masterclasses from industry greats. WebZero, a global event and DevRel force is presenting sub0 reset, the leading developer conference for the Polkadot & Substrate ecosystem from November 9-11, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand. sub0 reset is the first and only Substrate development conference, bringing together the best developers and builders of Web3 in a spectacular five-floor industrial venue, complete with a rooftop beach and catering and drinks from a private chef. Polkadot Polkadot Substrate Substrate Attendees will have the chance to learn from industry legends, including senior figures from the Web3 Foundation and founders of Polkadot, as well as meet like-minded partners to build next-generation apps and tools with Substrate in our 24/7 hackspace. Fabian Gompf, CEO of Web3 Foundation, said: “Great to see sub0 come back with a fresh concept showcasing the talent in the Polkadot ecosystem. It’s a perfect opportunity for developers, investors and industry leaders to come together and build solutions on Substrate that will have a real impact”. Fabian Gompf, CEO of Web3 Foundation, said: “Great to see sub0 come back with a fresh concept showcasing the talent in the Polkadot ecosystem. It’s a perfect opportunity for developers, investors and industry leaders to come together and build solutions on Substrate that will have a real impact”. Attendees can expect to learn about the latest projects building with Substrate, how to build with Substrate’s modular SDK and other emerging components in the Polkadot tech stack, with industry leaders such as Polkadot co-founder Robert Habermeier, Mythical Games founder John Linden and Nova Wallet founder Anton Khvorov taking to the stage and sharing their wisdom with guests throughout the 3-day event. sub0 kicks off with a dedicated education day, ranging from no-holds-barred analysis of the state of Web3, to barcamp deep-dives on building on Substrate. Day two is Modularity Day, with discussions from leading innovators at Avail, R0gue, Midnight and Parity. Day three is JAM & Scalability day, building out Polkadot’s founder Gavin Wood’s vision to transform the ecosystem into the world’s first global computer. The venue’s 24/7 hackerspace will give new teams the chance to co-work and compete for 10k USD in bounties. Practical Details Sub0 reset is taking place at 127 Na Ranong Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok from 9-11 November, 2024. A limited supply of free tickets for sub0 reset are available here . here here The event runs from 10 AM until late each day, make sure to subscribe to the WebZero Luma for full scheduling opportunities. The hackerspace runs 24 hours a day, ensuring developers can build at all hours of the night with food and beverages provided free of charge. Media lounge and recording rooms are provided. For any further media enquiries, users can contact media@joinwebzero.com WebZero Luma WebZero Luma media@joinwebzero.com media@joinwebzero.com ABOUT WEebZero WebZero is a developer experience builder that is establishing a hybrid between event production and developer relations, based on its own unique vision and methodology. WebZero WebZero Contact Comms/PR manager Jonathan Duran Distractive jonathan@distractive.xyz This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here . here here

Polkadot’s Flagship Sub0 Conference Is Ground Zero For Ecosystem’s Landmark Overhaul

Polkadot se vlagskip Sub0-konferensie is grond-nul vir ekosisteem se landmerk-opknapping

Водещата Sub0 конференция на Polkadot е нулева точка за забележителното преустройство на екосистемата

La conferència Sub0 insígnia de Polkadot és la zona zero per a la revisió històrica de l'ecosistema

Polkadots Flaggschiff-Konferenz Sub0 ist Ausgangspunkt für die grundlegende Überholung des Ökosystems

La conferencia insignia Sub0 de Polkadot es el punto cero de la renovación histórica del ecosistema

ポルカドットのフラッグシップ Sub0 カンファレンスは、エコシステムの画期的な改革の原点となる

សន្និសីទ Sub0 Flagship របស់ Polkadot គឺសូន្យសម្រាប់ការផ្លាស់ប្តូរទីតាំងរបស់ប្រព័ន្ធអេកូ

„Polkadot“ pavyzdinė „Sub0“ konferencija yra nulinis ekosistemos kapitalinio remonto pagrindas

Khonferentshe ya Polkadot’s Flagship Sub0 Ke Ground Zero Bakeng sa Tokiso ya Letshwao la Tikologo

Polkadotpa Sub0 Insignia Conferencianmi Ground Zero Ecosistemapa Hito Revisión nisqapaq

Vlajková loď konferencie Polkadot Sub0 je nulovým bodom pre prepracovanie medzníka ekosystému

Polkadot's Flagship Sub0 Conference waa eber eber ee dib u habeynta astaanta deegaanka

Every time I share the latest PR insights, I end up hearing the same feedback over and over again: “Well, now it’s clear. All you need is money.” I don’t know how those keen minds came to such a twisted conclusion, but to me, it’s obvious that there’s always an option to start small. In this post, I’ll share some takeaways for how to gain media coverage and leverage your PR endeavors with no news peg and zero budget. Option 1: Media Coverage Through Op-Ed, Guest Posting, or Columns Media are very fond of experts who tackle industry issues through the lens of their experience and provide editors with fresh and insightful material that would catch a reader’s eye and drive traffic to their website. So, gaining media coverage through op-eds and guest posts is the easiest way to start. Why? Because through the personal expertise of your C-level representative, you will manage to tackle industry issues that somehow relate to your product. How? Here’s a step-by-step guide: Step 1: Decide on a spokesperson and map the topics for them. In one circle, the list of the topics that would resonate with the industry that you are working in. In the second circle, note down the vectors in which your speaker has expertise. Then check where those circles overlap, and choose 3-4 major areas to cover. Those ideas should both demonstrate your speaker’s valuable experience and tackle the industry issues for which you already have a solution at hand. Generate a bunch of topics, headlines, and detailed outlines for each. Step 2: Create your media list with relevant contacts. Check which media are covering this or that topic, make a list of such media, find opinions editor’s email, and send them a proposal for approval(consisting of the headline and a detailed outline). Some media like Daily Hodl or HackerNoon have a submission form, but in this case, you have to submit the whole article for review, not just the outline. I would also recommend doing small research to see whether this particular angle hasn’t been covered yet. Step 3: Wait for a response. Great things take time. Don’t share the same content with all the outlets simultaneously. You may end up gaining coverage across multiple outlets and thereby ruin your relations with journalists. Instead, wait for approval from the editorial team (they indicate in the requirements how much time they usually need to review your submission). If there’s no answer within a specified timeframe, then share your idea with others. Pros of leveraging your media relations through guest posts and op-eds: Your brand name and maybe the link to the website will appear in the author’s bio. You will be able to insert some information about your product. If it’s relevant and doesn’t look like a promotion, you can use your product and company’s data to back your stance. You establish thought leadership and build a strong personal brand for your speaker. If you are a no-name startup with a no-name CEO, building a personal brand is crucial to make people trust you and in you. No wonder smaller companies are ready to pay a fortune to hunt C-level executives with sound names and spotless reputations.
Because by accepting a job offer, this person confirms their trust in the company, making it more credible in the eyes of the industry by default. Option 2: Media Coverage Through Commentaries Nobody accepts commentaries from people with no prior trace left in the media. So, you better start with the opinion part and gradually add commenting atop this. Crypto is a very wavering environment with a lot of stuff going on. Keep track of everything happening in the industry. Start your morning by checking Feedly and Google News to never miss a beat. There are several ways how you can ensure media coverage through expert commentaries: As soon as you have secured 5-6 pieces of coverage for your speaker, you can create a press portrait, indicating the speaker’s expertise, topics of interest, background information, and the links to op-eds you’ve already published in media. Once something happens in the industry that is relevant to your company and/or speaker, write a comment and pitch it to a journalist whose beat you know for sure will most likely imply working on this particular story. You can also check #journorequest on Twitter, Quoted, or HARO, as well as check the journalists’ personal Twitter account for similar shoutouts. If you have a ready-to-use press list and a well-established connection with journalists, you can send them a press portrait and introduce your speaker without waiting for the right time. In this case, a journalist may occasionally contact you once they need expert commentary. Option 3: Media Coverage Through Newswire I used to be quite skeptical about the Newswire until one day I shot it and checked the results: 406 pieces of coverage secured across top-tier media outlets, including Business Insider, Seeking Alpha, Benzinga, and others. I made it SEO-wise and inserted the links to the website along with a bunch of anchors and keywords that reinforced our SEO endeavours. Moreover, the journalist who spotted our press release reached out for additional information and wrote his own story based on what we had shared with him. Press release services like PR newswire or crypto-specific Chainwire offer a great deal of features to align your PR efforts with SEO requirements, thereby killing two birds with one shot. Don’t expect a newswire service to bring you a great deal of awareness right away, but rather think out of the box, and see how else can you benefit from distribution and what exactly can you share that would pay off in a long run. A small tip to keep in mind: Don’t rush to the newswire as soon as you have a news peg. Try to pitch it to journalists first; either as an exclusive or under embargo, and only then upload your press release into the newswire system to ensure maximum coverage. Final Words Each option I’ve mentioned above leaves a trace in the media, ensuring greater visibility for your company and products. Forbes isn’t going to cover your news unless you do have the news that is worth being covered on Forbes, and no PR wizard can fix it. Strive for the best you can, but don’t underestimate small achievements and the power of smaller steps that you are making on the way to your goal. Every time I share the latest PR insights, I end up hearing the same feedback over and over again: “Well, now it’s clear. All you need is money.” I don’t know how those keen minds came to such a twisted conclusion, but to me, it’s obvious that there’s always an option to start small. In this post, I’ll share some takeaways for how to gain media coverage and leverage your PR endeavors with no news peg and zero budget. Option 1: Media Coverage Through Op-Ed, Guest Posting, or Columns Media are very fond of experts who tackle industry issues through the lens of their experience and provide editors with fresh and insightful material that would catch a reader’s eye and drive traffic to their website. So, gaining media coverage through op-eds and guest posts is the easiest way to start. Why? Because through the personal expertise of your C-level representative, you will manage to tackle industry issues that somehow relate to your product. How? Here’s a step-by-step guide: How? Here’s a step-by-step guide: Step 1: Decide on a spokesperson and map the topics for them. Step 1: Decide on a spokesperson and map the topics for them. In one circle, the list of the topics that would resonate with the industry that you are working in. In the second circle, note down the vectors in which your speaker has expertise. Then check where those circles overlap, and choose 3-4 major areas to cover. Those ideas should both demonstrate your speaker’s valuable experience and tackle the industry issues for which you already have a solution at hand. Generate a bunch of topics, headlines, and detailed outlines for each. Step 2: Create your media list with relevant contacts. Step 2: Create your media list with relevant contacts. Check which media are covering this or that topic, make a list of such media, find opinions editor’s email, and send them a proposal for approval(consisting of the headline and a detailed outline). Some media like Daily Hodl or HackerNoon have a submission form, but in this case, you have to submit the whole article for review, not just the outline. I would also recommend doing small research to see whether this particular angle hasn’t been covered yet. Step 3: Wait for a response. Great things take time. Step 3: Wait for a response. Great things take time. Don’t share the same content with all the outlets simultaneously. You may end up gaining coverage across multiple outlets and thereby ruin your relations with journalists. Instead, wait for approval from the editorial team (they indicate in the requirements how much time they usually need to review your submission). If there’s no answer within a specified timeframe, then share your idea with others. Pros of leveraging your media relations through guest posts and op-eds: Pros of leveraging your media relations through guest posts and op-eds: Your brand name and maybe the link to the website will appear in the author’s bio. Your brand name and maybe the link to the website will appear in the author’s bio. You will be able to insert some information about your product. If it’s relevant and doesn’t look like a promotion, you can use your product and company’s data to back your stance. You will be able to insert some information about your product. If it’s relevant and doesn’t look like a promotion, you can use your product and company’s data to back your stance. You establish thought leadership and build a strong personal brand for your speaker. If you are a no-name startup with a no-name CEO, building a personal brand is crucial to make people trust you and in you. No wonder smaller companies are ready to pay a fortune to hunt C-level executives with sound names and spotless reputations.
Because by accepting a job offer, this person confirms their trust in the company, making it more credible in the eyes of the industry by default. You establish thought leadership and build a strong personal brand for your speaker. If you are a no-name startup with a no-name CEO, building a personal brand is crucial to make people trust you and in you. No wonder smaller companies are ready to pay a fortune to hunt C-level executives with sound names and spotless reputations. Because by accepting a job offer, this person confirms their trust in the company, making it more credible in the eyes of the industry by default. You establish thought leadership and build a strong personal brand for your speaker. If you are a no-name startup with a no-name CEO, building a personal brand is crucial to make people trust you and in you. No wonder smaller companies are ready to pay a fortune to hunt C-level executives with sound names and spotless reputations. Because by accepting a job offer, this person confirms their trust in the company, making it more credible in the eyes of the industry by default. Option 2: Media Coverage Through Commentaries Nobody accepts commentaries from people with no prior trace left in the media. So, you better start with the opinion part and gradually add commenting atop this. Crypto is a very wavering environment with a lot of stuff going on. Keep track of everything happening in the industry. Start your morning by checking Feedly and Google News to never miss a beat. There are several ways how you can ensure media coverage through expert commentaries: As soon as you have secured 5-6 pieces of coverage for your speaker, you can create a press portrait, indicating the speaker’s expertise, topics of interest, background information, and the links to op-eds you’ve already published in media. Once something happens in the industry that is relevant to your company and/or speaker, write a comment and pitch it to a journalist whose beat you know for sure will most likely imply working on this particular story. You can also check #journorequest on Twitter, Quoted, or HARO, as well as check the journalists’ personal Twitter account for similar shoutouts. If you have a ready-to-use press list and a well-established connection with journalists, you can send them a press portrait and introduce your speaker without waiting for the right time. In this case, a journalist may occasionally contact you once they need expert commentary. Option 3: Media Coverage Through Newswire I used to be quite skeptical about the Newswire until one day I shot it and checked the results: 406 pieces of coverage secured across top-tier media outlets, including Business Insider, Seeking Alpha, Benzinga, and others. I made it SEO-wise and inserted the links to the website along with a bunch of anchors and keywords that reinforced our SEO endeavours. Moreover, the journalist who spotted our press release reached out for additional information and wrote his own story based on what we had shared with him. 406 pieces of coverage Press release services like PR newswire or crypto-specific Chainwire offer a great deal of features to align your PR efforts with SEO requirements, thereby killing two birds with one shot. Don’t expect a newswire service to bring you a great deal of awareness right away, but rather think out of the box, and see how else can you benefit from distribution and what exactly can you share that would pay off in a long run. A small tip to keep in mind: Don’t rush to the newswire as soon as you have a news peg. Try to pitch it to journalists first; either as an exclusive or under embargo, and only then upload your press release into the newswire system to ensure maximum coverage. Final Words Each option I’ve mentioned above leaves a trace in the media, ensuring greater visibility for your company and products. Forbes isn’t going to cover your news unless you do have the news that is worth being covered on Forbes, and no PR wizard can fix it. Strive for the best you can, but don’t underestimate small achievements and the power of smaller steps that you are making on the way to your goal.

Media Coverage Options for a Startup With No News Pegs and Zero Budget 

ZUG, Switzerland, October 2nd, 2024/Chainwire/--Poland’s second-largest bank, Pekao S.A., used the Aleph Zero L1 blockchain to tokenize and preserve internationally renowned Polish artworks. Bank Pekao, Aleph Zero, and Degen House are proud to announce the launch of Archiv3, a project to tokenize and preserve Polish cultural heritage on the Aleph Zero blockchain, with digital reproductions securely stored in the Arctic World Archive (AWA). This initiative combines blockchain technology with a commitment to cultural preservation, ensuring the safekeeping of Poland’s artistic legacy for future generations. With Archiv3, Bank Pekao becomes the first universal bank to tokenize historical art specifically for preservation purposes. This initiative follows the bank’s earlier “Unique” project, marking its role in integrating blockchain technology with traditional banking. It also highlights the bank's ongoing commitment to modernizing its services and expanding the reach of digital assets. Notably, Archiv3 is the first project to tokenize artworks for long-term storage in the Arctic World Archive, known as the “Doomsday Library.” In its press release, Bank Pekao pointed out that the deciding factor in using the Aleph Zero blockchain has been not only its speed and security but also its attention to optimizing for a low carbon footprint and its carbon offset program. “We have chosen Aleph Zero for their privacy-focused, top-class technology combined with sound experience in cooperation with large institutions,” says Michał Walęczak, Director of the Private Banking Strategy and Development Department at Bank Pekao S.A. “Minimal carbon footprint as well as low storage costs were also important factors in our decision-making process. Tokenization of art requires modern and flexible technology, unforced creativity and some out-of-the-box thinking; these features we were happy to find in co-operation with Aleph Zero.” ARCHIV3 involves the meticulous digitization of masterpieces from iconic Polish artists, such as Jan Matejko, Stanisław Wyspiański, Wojciech Kossak, and others, facilitated by Degen House, the bank’s technological partner, who also managed the Aleph Zero integration. The process began with the creation of high-quality, museum-grade 3D scans using ultra-sensitive cameras, which capture every detail of the original artworks. These digital replicas were then minted as NFTs on the eco-friendly Aleph Zero blockchain, which ensures minimal carbon footprint during the process. The tokenized versions are subsequently archived in the Arctic World Archive, where they are expected to remain secure for at least 1,000 years. The artworks in the Archiv3 collection span a range of historical periods, primarily featuring 19th-century works and select modern pieces, such as those by contemporary artist Lia Kimura. This initiative aims to preserve these treasures not only for their cultural and historical significance but also as a resource for future study, conservation, and potential virtual exhibitions. Preserving Art for Future Generations The Arctic World Archive, located on the remote Svalbard archipelago, serves as a highly secure data vault designed to protect invaluable cultural, historical, and scientific information from natural disasters, cyber threats, and other risks. Established in 2017, the archive uses advanced storage technology to ensure data longevity without the need for electricity or human intervention, making it one of the safest places in the world for preserving irreplaceable records. The AWA already houses manuscripts from the Vatican Library, documentation from UNESCO and UNICEF, the entire GitHub code repository, as well as literary works by Nobel Prize laureates Olga Tokarczuk and Wisława Szymborska. Bank Pekao is the first financial institution to archive culturally significant artworks at the AWA, while doing the same using decentralized storage, setting a precedent for how blockchain technology can be used to bridge traditional art with new digital solutions. For any enquiries about this release, please contact josh@serotonin.co About Aleph Zero Aleph Zero is a privacy-first ecosystem of blockchain solutions that are engineered for speed, data confidentiality, and ease of development. It achieves efficiencies akin to conventional web2 systems, upholds rigorous standards for data protection via zero knowledge proofs, and offers a comprehensive toolset for development across web3 that ranges from WASM-based Rust to EVM-based Solidity environments. Aleph Zero’s versatility is highlighted by over 40 use cases being actively developed, showcasing its adaptability across various sectors and applications. These use cases are part of an engaged community and growing ecosystem of web3 applications that are supported by Aleph Zero ecosystem development programs. For more information, users can visit https://alephzero.org/ About Bank Pekao S.A. Bank Pekao S.A., founded in 1929, is one of the largest financial institutions in the Central and Eastern European region and the second-largest universal bank in Poland with assets of 316 billion PLN. With the second largest branch network, Bank Pekao serves 6.9 million customers. As a leading corporate bank in Poland, it serves every second corporation in Poland. Its status as a universal bank is based on its leading market position in private banking, asset management, and brokerage activities. Bank Pekao's diversified business profile is supported by a leading market balance sheet and risk profile reflected in the lowest risk costs, strong capital ratios, and resilience to macroeconomic conditions (Pekao proved to be the most resilient bank in Europe, ranking first in the stress tests conducted by the EBA in 2023 amongst 70 banks). Since 1998, Bank Pekao has been listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and participates in several local (including WIG 20 and WIG) and international indices (including MSCI EM, Stoxx Europe 600, and FTSE Developed). Pekao is one of the most dividend-paying listed companies in Poland over the past 10 years, paying out a total of approx. 20 billion PLN over a decade. About Degen House Degen House is a full-stack blockchain solutions provider with a proven track record of collaborations spanning major CEE banks and top global blockchain ecosystems. The company offers comprehensive end-to-end solutions, from strategic consulting and product development to targeted marketing and sales. Contact PR Manager Josh Adams Aleph Zero josh@serotonin.co This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here ZUG, Switzerland, October 2nd, 2024/Chainwire/--Poland’s second-largest bank, Pekao S.A., used the Aleph Zero L1 blockchain to tokenize and preserve internationally renowned Polish artworks. Bank Pekao , Aleph Zero , and Degen House are proud to announce the launch of Archiv3 , a project to tokenize and preserve Polish cultural heritage on the Aleph Zero blockchain, with digital reproductions securely stored in the Arctic World Archive (AWA). Bank Pekao Bank Pekao Aleph Zero Aleph Zero Degen House Degen House Archiv3 Archiv3 Arctic World Archive (AWA). Arctic World Archive (AWA). This initiative combines blockchain technology with a commitment to cultural preservation, ensuring the safekeeping of Poland’s artistic legacy for future generations. With Archiv3, Bank Pekao becomes the first universal bank to tokenize historical art specifically for preservation purposes. This initiative follows the bank’s earlier “Unique” project, marking its role in integrating blockchain technology with traditional banking. “Unique” “Unique” It also highlights the bank's ongoing commitment to modernizing its services and expanding the reach of digital assets. Notably, Archiv3 is the first project to tokenize artworks for long-term storage in the Arctic World Archive, known as the “Doomsday Library.” In its press release , Bank Pekao pointed out that the deciding factor in using the Aleph Zero blockchain has been not only its speed and security but also its attention to optimizing for a low carbon footprint and its carbon offset program. In its press release In its press release “We have chosen Aleph Zero for their privacy-focused, top-class technology combined with sound experience in cooperation with large institutions,” says Michał Walęczak, Director of the Private Banking Strategy and Development Department at Bank Pekao S.A. “Minimal carbon footprint as well as low storage costs were also important factors in our decision-making process. Tokenization of art requires modern and flexible technology, unforced creativity and some out-of-the-box thinking; these features we were happy to find in co-operation with Aleph Zero.” ARCHIV3 involves the meticulous digitization of masterpieces from iconic Polish artists, such as Jan Matejko, Stanisław Wyspiański, Wojciech Kossak, and others, facilitated by Degen House, the bank’s technological partner, who also managed the Aleph Zero integration. The process began with the creation of high-quality, museum-grade 3D scans using ultra-sensitive cameras, which capture every detail of the original artworks. These digital replicas were then minted as NFTs on the eco-friendly Aleph Zero blockchain, which ensures minimal carbon footprint during the process. The tokenized versions are subsequently archived in the Arctic World Archive, where they are expected to remain secure for at least 1,000 years. The artworks in the Archiv3 collection span a range of historical periods, primarily featuring 19th-century works and select modern pieces, such as those by contemporary artist Lia Kimura. This initiative aims to preserve these treasures not only for their cultural and historical significance but also as a resource for future study, conservation, and potential virtual exhibitions. Preserving Art for Future Generations The Arctic World Archive, located on the remote Svalbard archipelago, serves as a highly secure data vault designed to protect invaluable cultural, historical, and scientific information from natural disasters, cyber threats, and other risks. Established in 2017, the archive uses advanced storage technology to ensure data longevity without the need for electricity or human intervention, making it one of the safest places in the world for preserving irreplaceable records. The AWA already houses manuscripts from the Vatican Library, documentation from UNESCO and UNICEF, the entire GitHub code repository, as well as literary works by Nobel Prize laureates Olga Tokarczuk and Wisława Szymborska. Bank Pekao is the first financial institution to archive culturally significant artworks at the AWA, while doing the same using decentralized storage, setting a precedent for how blockchain technology can be used to bridge traditional art with new digital solutions. For any enquiries about this release, please contact josh@serotonin.co josh@serotonin.co josh@serotonin.co About Aleph Zero Aleph Zero is a privacy-first ecosystem of blockchain solutions that are engineered for speed, data confidentiality, and ease of development. It achieves efficiencies akin to conventional web2 systems, upholds rigorous standards for data protection via zero knowledge proofs, and offers a comprehensive toolset for development across web3 that ranges from WASM-based Rust to EVM-based Solidity environments. Aleph Zero Aleph Zero Aleph Zero’s versatility is highlighted by over 40 use cases being actively developed, showcasing its adaptability across various sectors and applications. These use cases are part of an engaged community and growing ecosystem of web3 applications that are supported by Aleph Zero ecosystem development programs. For more information, users can visit https://alephzero.org/ https://alephzero.org/ https://alephzero.org/ About Bank Pekao S.A. Bank Pekao S.A. , founded in 1929, is one of the largest financial institutions in the Central and Eastern European region and the second-largest universal bank in Poland with assets of 316 billion PLN. With the second largest branch network, Bank Pekao serves 6.9 million customers. Bank Pekao S.A. Bank Pekao S.A. As a leading corporate bank in Poland, it serves every second corporation in Poland. Its status as a universal bank is based on its leading market position in private banking, asset management, and brokerage activities. Bank Pekao's diversified business profile is supported by a leading market balance sheet and risk profile reflected in the lowest risk costs, strong capital ratios, and resilience to macroeconomic conditions (Pekao proved to be the most resilient bank in Europe, ranking first in the stress tests conducted by the EBA in 2023 amongst 70 banks). Since 1998, Bank Pekao has been listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and participates in several local (including WIG 20 and WIG) and international indices (including MSCI EM, Stoxx Europe 600, and FTSE Developed). Pekao is one of the most dividend-paying listed companies in Poland over the past 10 years, paying out a total of approx. 20 billion PLN over a decade. About Degen House Degen House is a full-stack blockchain solutions provider with a proven track record of collaborations spanning major CEE banks and top global blockchain ecosystems. The company offers comprehensive end-to-end solutions, from strategic consulting and product development to targeted marketing and sales. Degen House Degen House Contact PR Manager Josh Adams Aleph Zero josh@serotonin.co This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon’s Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here here here

ARCHIV3: Poland’s Second-Largest Bank Chooses Aleph Zero To Tokenize Historical Art

ARCHIV3: Druhá největší polská banka si vybrala Aleph Zero, aby tokenizoval historické umění

ARCHIV3: El segundo banco más grande de Polonia elige a Aleph Zero para tokenizar arte histórico

ARCHIV3: Poloniako bigarren banku handienak Aleph Zero aukeratzen du arte historikoa tokenizatzeko

ARCHIV3: הבנק השני בגודלו בפולין בוחר באלף אפס כדי לתת אסימונים לאמנות היסטורית

ARCHIV3: Druga najveća banka u Poljskoj izabrala Aleph Zero za tokenizaciju povijesne umjetnosti

ARCHIV3: Dezyèm pi gwo bank Polòy chwazi Aleph Zero pou tokenize atizay istorik

ARCHIV3: ポーランド第2位の銀行が歴史的芸術品のトークン化にAleph Zeroを選択

ARCHIV3: antrasis pagal dydį Lenkijos bankas pasirinko Aleph Zero istorinio meno ženklinimui

ARCHIV3: د پولنډ دوهم لوی بانک د تاریخي هنر نښه کولو لپاره الف صفر غوره کوي

ARCHIV3: Benki ya Pili kwa Ukubwa Polandi Yachagua Aleph Zero Kuashiria Sanaa ya Kihistoria

ARCHIV3: போலந்தின் இரண்டாவது பெரிய வங்கி வரலாற்றுக் கலையை அடையாளப்படுத்த அலெஃப் ஜீரோவைத் தேர்வு செய்தது

ARCHIV3: Bangi Ya Vumbirhi Leyikulu ePoland Yi Hlawule Aleph Zero Ku Va Tokenize Vutshila Bya Matimu

From Zero to Unicorn: A Playbook for Explosive Startup Growth with Ankit Maloo

7th Generation Data Security: Zero Trust Data Access & Entitlements

Our current systems, which are based on representative democracy, face many problems. In fact, they are dysfunctional in the sense that they do not fulfill the fundamental goal of democracy, which is to ensure that the will of the majority prevails. The following diagram is familiar to everyone: By strategically selecting electoral districts, it can happen that a party wins even though only a minority of voters supported it. But this is just one of many problems. Participating in politics requires a lot of money, which makes the political system vulnerable to financial influence. The systems we believe to be democratic actually serve private interests and corporations, not the voters (see State Capture). The solution would be for people to participate in decision-making in a much more direct way, through direct democracy or liquid democracy. Of course, in reality, it is not feasible to organize paper-based referendums on every issue, as such voting is extremely resource-intensive. But is it not possible to solve this digitally, at a low cost, while ensuring the anonymity and security of paper-based voting? I began searching for an answer to this question about two years ago. This is how I came across coin mixers and zero-knowledge-proof technology. The essence of coin mixers is to make blockchain transactions untraceable. Such a mixer works like a large pool. Users deposit their coins on one side and withdraw them on the other. The key is that we don’t know who withdraws which coin on the other side while ensuring that everyone can only withdraw the same amount they deposited. This is exactly the kind of system needed for anonymous voting. Everyone receives a ballot on which they can cast their vote. We don’t know who cast which vote, but we can be certain that each person casts only one vote. So, I delved into the source code of one of the most popular coin mixers, Tornado Cash, to understand how it works. An article was written about this as well. Once I fully understood the functionality, I separated the core features and created a library called zk-merkle-tree, which anyone can use to conduct anonymous voting. A proof of concept voting application was also developed, which allows anyone to build their own system. The system is blockchain-based, which makes it secure, but at the same time, it also makes it very difficult to use. If we build on an existing blockchain, transaction costs such as smart contract deployment and similar issues arise, while operating our own blockchain is an even bigger challenge. I wanted a solution that is blockchain-free and easy to set up in a few minutes. That's how zkDemocracy was born. zkDemocracy is a traditional NodeJS and MySQL-based system that can be set up in just a few minutes. It can operate in standalone mode, where zkDemocracy serves as the complete backend layer, or as a service integrated into a larger system. The first question that arises with such a system is: how can blockchain-level security be ensured over a MySQL database? The blockchain is ideal because it is an append-only solution where modifications are not possible, which helps filter out most types of fraud. In reality, the only way to cheat is for someone to vote on behalf of others, or for someone to vote who is not authorized to do so. These possibilities can be prevented with proper voter identification. If this is ensured, fraud becomes theoretically impossible. Therefore, if we can establish such an append-only system on top of MySQL, we can provide the same level of security that blockchain offers. zkDemocracy's solution to the problem is that each row inserted into the database tables is associated with a 'checkpoint hash.' This is a keccak256 hash, which is composed of the data from the fields and the previous row's checkpoint hash. Similar to a blockchain, the checkpoint hashes are chained, so if anything is changed in the database, the checkpoint hash of every row after the modified one will change as well. When someone registers as a voter or casts a vote, the system provides a digitally signed, certified receipt confirming that the transaction was completed. This receipt also contains the checkpoint hash. Since both the list of members and the list of votes are fully public after the voting, anyone can check whether any changes have occurred, and if so, they can use the digitally signed receipt provided by the server to prove it. The current list of registered voters and the most recent checkpoint hash can be retrieved from the system at any time, making any fraud instantly provable. Additionally, there is the option to write the checkpoint hash to the blockchain at regular intervals (for example, every 10 minutes), further ensuring that the database cannot be altered after the hash has been written to the blockchain. This solution provides full blockchain-level security, as any attempt to tamper with the data would require modifying the hash on the blockchain as well. It is clear that with the above solution, the same level of security provided by the blockchain can be achieved while using familiar technologies (such as MySQL clusters) to operate the system. I used the Semaphore library for generating and verifying zero-knowledge proofs. It works similarly to zk-merkle-tree but has been audited and has a larger developer base. zkDemocracy has two fundamental elements: group and voting. A group is a set of voters, such as voters from a specific electoral district, company shareholders, etc. Similarly, voting represents a voting event, which could be a presidential election, a referendum, corporate decision-making, and so on. Multiple groups can participate in a single voting event; for example, in a referendum, all electoral districts participate in the vote, and the results are aggregated. Likewise, a group can participate in multiple voting events. So, if the groups for the electoral districts are established, multiple referendums can be held with these groups. In other words, groups and votings have an n-m relationship. Let’s now take a look at how a referendum would work when built on the zkDemocracy system. The first step is to identify the people eligible to vote. In a paper-based voting system, this is done by providing each electoral district with a list of eligible voters for that district. When someone shows up to vote, their name is crossed off the list, ensuring that they can only vote once. In digital or online voting, this process is much simpler. If the state provides some form of digital identification, the verification can be fully automated. The voter submits a unique commitment, which is recorded with their name in the database. This is one-half of the zero-knowledge proof. The list of voters and commitments is public, protected by a checkpoint hash, and a digitally signed, certified list can be requested at any time. Therefore, if the identification system is secure, fraud at this stage becomes theoretically impossible. If a digital identification document is not provided, manual identification is required. This can be done in person or even through a video conferencing system (though online identification has its risks due to advanced deep fake technology). Identification can be carried out by one person, but it's more secure if done by multiple randomly selected individuals. Additional security is provided if a video recording of the identification is made and stored for a limited time. During this period, an independent organization can conduct random checks on the recordings to further minimize the chance of fraud. This identification system is as secure as, or even more secure than, the one used in current paper-based voting. Once registration is successfully completed, the process becomes very simple, as the voter can participate in as many votes as they wish. Due to the checkpoint hash and the publicly accessible voter list, it is ensured that only eligible individuals can vote. The entire database for each voting event is also public and protected by a checkpoint hash. Anyone can verify, using zero-knowledge proofs, whether a given vote comes from a valid voter, and each voter can check at any time whether their own vote is correctly recorded in the database. Voters can easily prove any fraud using the digitally signed receipt provided by the system. It is clear that with the zkDemocracy system, it is possible to ensure that databases are public and accessible to everyone and that the consistency of the database is provable, while at the same time maintaining voter anonymity. The system is available on GitHub at the following URL: https://github.com/TheBojda/zkdemocracy I am also planning to write another article specifically for developers. In the meantime, detailed developer documentation and sample code for using the system can be found on GitHub. My goal with this development is to prove that the technological conditions are in place to improve our democratic systems. It is up to us how we are able to use these opportunities... Our current systems, which are based on representative democracy, face many problems. In fact, they are dysfunctional in the sense that they do not fulfill the fundamental goal of democracy, which is to ensure that the will of the majority prevails. Our current systems, which are based on representative democracy, face many problems. In fact, they are dysfunctional in the sense that they do not fulfill the fundamental goal of democracy, which is to ensure that the will of the majority prevails. The following diagram is familiar to everyone: By strategically selecting electoral districts, it can happen that a party wins even though only a minority of voters supported it. But this is just one of many problems. Participating in politics requires a lot of money, which makes the political system vulnerable to financial influence. The systems we believe to be democratic actually serve private interests and corporations, not the voters (see State Capture ). State Capture The solution would be for people to participate in decision-making in a much more direct way, through direct democracy or liquid democracy. Of course, in reality, it is not feasible to organize paper-based referendums on every issue, as such voting is extremely resource-intensive. But is it not possible to solve this digitally, at a low cost, while ensuring the anonymity and security of paper-based voting? I began searching for an answer to this question about two years ago. This is how I came across coin mixers and zero-knowledge-proof technology. The essence of coin mixers is to make blockchain transactions untraceable. Such a mixer works like a large pool. Users deposit their coins on one side and withdraw them on the other. The key is that we don’t know who withdraws which coin on the other side while ensuring that everyone can only withdraw the same amount they deposited. This is exactly the kind of system needed for anonymous voting. Everyone receives a ballot on which they can cast their vote. We don’t know who cast which vote, but we can be certain that each person casts only one vote. So, I delved into the source code of one of the most popular coin mixers, Tornado Cash, to understand how it works. An article was written about this as well. Once I fully understood the functionality, I separated the core features and created a library called zk-merkle-tree , which anyone can use to conduct anonymous voting. A proof of concept voting application was also developed, which allows anyone to build their own system. The system is blockchain-based, which makes it secure, but at the same time, it also makes it very difficult to use. If we build on an existing blockchain, transaction costs such as smart contract deployment and similar issues arise, while operating our own blockchain is an even bigger challenge. I wanted a solution that is blockchain-free and easy to set up in a few minutes. That's how zkDemocracy was born. article zk-merkle-tree proof of concept voting application zkDemocracy zkDemocracy is a traditional NodeJS and MySQL-based system that can be set up in just a few minutes. It can operate in standalone mode, where zkDemocracy serves as the complete backend layer, or as a service integrated into a larger system. The first question that arises with such a system is: how can blockchain-level security be ensured over a MySQL database? The blockchain is ideal because it is an append-only solution where modifications are not possible, which helps filter out most types of fraud. In reality, the only way to cheat is for someone to vote on behalf of others, or for someone to vote who is not authorized to do so. These possibilities can be prevented with proper voter identification. If this is ensured, fraud becomes theoretically impossible. Therefore, if we can establish such an append-only system on top of MySQL, we can provide the same level of security that blockchain offers. zkDemocracy's solution to the problem is that each row inserted into the database tables is associated with a 'checkpoint hash.' This is a keccak256 hash, which is composed of the data from the fields and the previous row's checkpoint hash. Similar to a blockchain, the checkpoint hashes are chained, so if anything is changed in the database, the checkpoint hash of every row after the modified one will change as well. When someone registers as a voter or casts a vote, the system provides a digitally signed, certified receipt confirming that the transaction was completed. This receipt also contains the checkpoint hash. Since both the list of members and the list of votes are fully public after the voting, anyone can check whether any changes have occurred, and if so, they can use the digitally signed receipt provided by the server to prove it. The current list of registered voters and the most recent checkpoint hash can be retrieved from the system at any time, making any fraud instantly provable. Additionally, there is the option to write the checkpoint hash to the blockchain at regular intervals (for example, every 10 minutes), further ensuring that the database cannot be altered after the hash has been written to the blockchain. This solution provides full blockchain-level security, as any attempt to tamper with the data would require modifying the hash on the blockchain as well. It is clear that with the above solution, the same level of security provided by the blockchain can be achieved while using familiar technologies (such as MySQL clusters) to operate the system. I used the Semaphore library for generating and verifying zero-knowledge proofs. It works similarly to zk-merkle-tree but has been audited and has a larger developer base. Semaphore library zkDemocracy has two fundamental elements: group and voting. A group is a set of voters, such as voters from a specific electoral district, company shareholders, etc. Similarly, voting represents a voting event, which could be a presidential election, a referendum, corporate decision-making, and so on. Multiple groups can participate in a single voting event; for example, in a referendum, all electoral districts participate in the vote, and the results are aggregated. Likewise, a group can participate in multiple voting events. So, if the groups for the electoral districts are established, multiple referendums can be held with these groups. In other words, groups and votings have an n-m relationship. Let’s now take a look at how a referendum would work when built on the zkDemocracy system. The first step is to identify the people eligible to vote. In a paper-based voting system, this is done by providing each electoral district with a list of eligible voters for that district. When someone shows up to vote, their name is crossed off the list, ensuring that they can only vote once. In digital or online voting, this process is much simpler. If the state provides some form of digital identification, the verification can be fully automated. The voter submits a unique commitment, which is recorded with their name in the database. This is one-half of the zero-knowledge proof. The list of voters and commitments is public, protected by a checkpoint hash, and a digitally signed, certified list can be requested at any time. Therefore, if the identification system is secure, fraud at this stage becomes theoretically impossible. If a digital identification document is not provided, manual identification is required. This can be done in person or even through a video conferencing system (though online identification has its risks due to advanced deep fake technology). Identification can be carried out by one person, but it's more secure if done by multiple randomly selected individuals. Additional security is provided if a video recording of the identification is made and stored for a limited time. During this period, an independent organization can conduct random checks on the recordings to further minimize the chance of fraud. This identification system is as secure as, or even more secure than, the one used in current paper-based voting. Once registration is successfully completed, the process becomes very simple, as the voter can participate in as many votes as they wish. Due to the checkpoint hash and the publicly accessible voter list, it is ensured that only eligible individuals can vote. The entire database for each voting event is also public and protected by a checkpoint hash. Anyone can verify, using zero-knowledge proofs, whether a given vote comes from a valid voter, and each voter can check at any time whether their own vote is correctly recorded in the database. Voters can easily prove any fraud using the digitally signed receipt provided by the system. It is clear that with the zkDemocracy system, it is possible to ensure that databases are public and accessible to everyone and that the consistency of the database is provable, while at the same time maintaining voter anonymity. The system is available on GitHub at the following URL: https://github.com/TheBojda/zkdemocracy https://github.com/TheBojda/zkdemocracy I am also planning to write another article specifically for developers. In the meantime, detailed developer documentation and sample code for using the system can be found on GitHub. My goal with this development is to prove that the technological conditions are in place to improve our democratic systems. It is up to us how we are able to use these opportunities...

ZkDemocracy: the Easiest Solution for Zero-knowledge Proof-based Anonymous Voting

ZkDemocracy: die einfachste Lösung für anonymes, Zero-Knowledge-basiertes Abstimmungsverhalten

ZkDemocracy: la solución más sencilla para la votación anónima basada en pruebas de conocimiento cero

ZkDemocracy: Zero ezagutza frogan oinarritutako boto anonimorako irtenbiderik errazena

ZkDemocracy: ساده ترین راه حل برای رای گیری ناشناس مبتنی بر مدرک بدون دانش

ZkDemocracy: ゼロ知識証明に基づく匿名投票の最も簡単なソリューション

ZkDemocracy: უმარტივესი გამოსავალი ნულოვანი ცოდნის მტკიცებულებებზე დაფუძნებული ანონიმური ხმის მიცემისთვის

ZkDemocracy: нөлдік білімге негізделген анонимді дауыс берудің ең оңай шешімі

ZkDemocracy: самое простое решение для анонимного голосования с нулевым разглашением и доказательствами

ZkDemocracy: Xalka ugu Fudud ee Aqoonta Eber-aqoonta Cadaynta ku salaysan Cod-bixinta qarsoodiga ah

ZkDemocracy: ang Pinakamadaling Solusyon para sa Zero-knowledge Proof-based na Anonymous Voting

ZkDemocracy: найпростіше рішення для анонімного голосування з нульовими знаннями на основі доказів

ZkDemocracy: nol bilimga asoslangan anonim ovoz berish uchun eng oson yechim

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