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In this episode of Blockchain Interviews, we sit down with Zac Williamson and Joe Andrews, co-founders of Aztec Network, the privacy-first Layer 2 on Ethereum. We unpack what a programmable privacy ecosystem actually looks like, how Aztec uses zero-knowledge proofs and its open-source language Noir to make privacy accessible to non-cryptographers, and why they chose to build as an Ethereum L2 instead of a standalone chain. We also dive into real use cases being built on Aztec today and how developers can start building privacy-preserving applications without needing a PhD in cryptography. We then break down Aztec’s groundbreaking token sale using Uniswap Labs’ Continuous Clearing Auction (CCA)—positioned as the first fair-access token distribution model. Zac and Joe walk through how the CCA works, why they opted for this over traditional airdrops or pre-sales, how per-user caps and eligibility are designed, and how they’ve even integrated zero-knowledge proofs (ZkPassport) into the sale process itself for privacy-preserving sanctions checks. If you care about privacy, compliance, and the future of Ethereum L2s, this is one you won’t want to miss. https://aztec.network https://sale.aztec.network https://x.com/aztecnetwork Refinitiv TV: https://lseg.group/3YbP6dV Timestamps: 0:00 Aztec Network intro and interview setup 1:06 What is Aztec Network and why privacy-first on Ethereum? 2:25 Why blockchains need privacy as they meet real-world and institutional use 4:07 Why Aztec chose to be an Ethereum Layer 2 instead of its own chain 6:48 How Aztec complements Ethereum and other L2s rather than competing 8:54 How developers add privacy with Aztec (Type 1 vs Type 2 apps) 10:48 Private OTC desks and dark pools as prime Aztec use cases 12:58 ZK Passport and identity proofs for fair, compliant participation 14:19 Ethereum’s evolving vision for privacy and alignment with Aztec 16:03 Privacy + compliance: Aztec’s neutral network philosophy 21:49 Uniswap Continuous Clearing Auction (CCA) and Aztec’s token sale 24:47 What happens after the auction: audits, mainnet, staking, and next steps 🔔READ OUR FREE SUBSTACK NEWSLETTER 🔔: https://cryptocoinshow.substack.com/subscribe 🔗 Sponsored by XYO: The original DePIN protocol powering real-world data, AI, and blockchain infrastructure. XYO’s upgraded Layer 1 supports high-volume, data-driven applications like DePIN, AI, and RWA tokenization. With over 10 million nodes and Proof of Perfect consensus, it ensures real-time scalability and true decentralization. Backed by a dual-token model, XYO and the new XL1. XYO is where next-generation builders go when legacy chains can't keep up. Get Buy and Sell Signal Indicators built into your charts!: https://www.cryptocoinshow.com/EngineeringRobo 👍 THUMBS UP & SUBSCRIBE NOW + 🔔! https://www.youtube.com/c/cryptocoinshow 🔔 Subscribe today! 🔔 ✉️CONTACT ME✉️ ashton@cryptocoinshow.com WATCH our best Playlists: Cryptocurrency Exchanges and Portfolio Management: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sa3VCs60o0M&list=PL2_P49PTl94ghUeKL1JUAv3CV8ip_0lXi Metaverse & Blockchain Gaming Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-z6aXevLRk&list=PL2_P49PTl94jZntiT20ahxlVzRo061nqP WATCH our Interview with John McAfee!! (RIP): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsva3YEw4Ek 📊#Bitcoin #Cryptocurrency #Blockchain #DeFi #Interview ———————————— Follow Us on Social: X: https://x.com/cryptocoinshow 👍FACEBOOK: https://www.fb.me/cryptocoinshow 🏆TELEGRAM CHAT: https://t.me/cryptocoinchat INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/cryptocoinshow Subscribe on LRBY: https://lbry.tv/@CryptoCoinShow:9 Disclaimer: This video is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or professional advice. The publisher and guests are not registered financial advisors, and nothing herein should be interpreted as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any cryptocurrency, token, or security. Content includes speculative market commentary and opinions that may not reflect current conditions and should not be relied upon as predictions. Cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies carry significant risks including market volatility, technology failures, regulatory changes, and potential total loss of investment. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Some content may include sponsored segments, which do not imply endorsement or verification of claims. Guest opinions are their own and information is believed accurate as of publication but no warranties are made regarding accuracy or completeness. By watching, you acknowledge sole responsibility for your investment decisions and agree that the publisher, hosts, and guests shall not be liable for any losses or consequences arising from actions based on this content. Always conduct your own research and consult qualified financial advisors before making investment decisions.