Ethereum Foundation Expands Privacy Work with New Cluster Initiative

TLDR

• The Ethereum Foundation launched Privacy Cluster to prioritize privacy in the Ethereum ecosystem.
• Igor Barinov, founder of Blockscout, leads the Privacy Cluster, which comprises 47 researchers and engineers.
• The initiative builds upon the privacy work initiated by the PSE team in 2018.
• The Privacy Cluster will align with projects such as Private Reads, Private Proving, and the Institutional Privacy Task Force.
• Kohaku, a privacy-preserving wallet and SDK, is a key focus of the cluster.

Ethereum Foundation has launched a new initiative called the “Privacy Cluster” to enhance privacy within the Ethereum ecosystem. This initiative is led by 47 researchers and engineers, including Blockscout founder Igor Barinov. The foundation is aiming to make privacy a key feature across all Ethereum projects and developments.

Coordinating Ethereum’s Privacy Vision

The Ethereum Foundation says Ethereum must support digital trust and privacy at its core. Therefore, the new Privacy Cluster will coordinate ongoing efforts and projects to meet this goal. According to the EF, “Privacy deserves to be a first-class property of the Ethereum ecosystem.”

This initiative brings together Privacy Stewards from Ethereum and the EF. It also builds upon the foundational work of the PSE team, which has been active since 2018. The cluster supports both individual and institutional privacy across various layers of the Ethereum stack.

The EF shared that the Privacy Cluster will not replace the PSE team but will work alongside it. While the PSE will focus on early research, the Privacy Cluster will align with broader ecosystem goals. The aim is to connect research, infrastructure, and user applications.

Ethereum Foundation Prioritizes Privacy and Innovation

The Ethereum Foundation has confirmed that the Privacy Cluster will support projects such as Private Reads, Private Writes, and Private Identities. It will also work on Private Proving, Privacy Experience, and the Institutional Privacy Task Force. These projects address key privacy issues across Ethereum’s infrastructure.

A special focus will go to Kohaku, a privacy-focused wallet and open-source SDK. The EF sees it as critical for testing privacy in real-world applications. Kohaku will help improve the security of user interactions with Ethereum.

The Ethereum Foundation emphasized that privacy must work across user experience, institutional needs, and core infrastructure. Research in cryptography and tools like Semaphore and stealth addresses will continue. These tools will support enhanced privacy for payments, governance, and identity management.

The Ethereum Foundation believes strong privacy will improve key sectors like asset management, governance, and on-chain compliance. Areas such as real-world assets, trading, and oracles will directly benefit. The foundation sees privacy as essential for Ethereum’s long-term growth.

The team will also explore institutional pilots to ensure solutions meet real-world needs. Tools developed will support both transparency and confidentiality. The EF remains committed to supporting Ethereum’s vision through privacy-first technology.

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