Zcash Shielded News | Vol.42
Zcashd 6.3.0 Release, Ledger has released Zcash app version 2.4.2 for Nano S+, Nano X, Stax, and Flex, Buy Nano GPT using ZEC, Request for ZCAP thoughts on moving from HELIOS to SIV Voting & More.
Zcash Shielded News is a community article format based on the weekly Zcash Ecosystem Digest Newsletter.
Providing insight on current events and informing the community about important news in the Zcash ecosystem.
Check out the best Highlights below!
Starting the week with an important call to all Zcashd Node operators: Update to version 6.3.0.
Support for version 6.2.0 will end on August 6, 2025.
Link → github.com/zcash/zcash/releases/tag/v6.3.0
1) The Consensus Node for Network Upgrade 6.1 (NU6.1) has been completed, including new tools such as:
Includes:
ZIP 271: Deferred Dev Fund Lockbox Disbursement.
ZIP 1016: Community and Coinholder Funding Model (partially).
Activation:
Testnet activation at height 3,536,500.
Can be activated in regtest using -nuparams=4dec4df0:HEIGHT.
2) Orchard Bug Fix in Transparent Balance APIs:
Fixed an issue where unshielding Orchard notes wasn’t reflected in transparent balance RPC methods.
Affected methods:
getbalance (trusted zero-conf balance calculation).
gettransaction (correct fee reporting).
This bug fix aligns Orchard behavior with prior fixes for Sprout and Sapling spends.
3) Default Transaction Version Update
The default for -preferredtxversion changed from v4 (Sapling era) to v5 (NU5 era)
Allows users to default to the latest v5 transaction format, but can revert to v4 if needed.
4) Deployment Process Clarifications
Potential backwards-incompatible consensus changes during testing phase.
Rollback mechanism planned if necessary, as per ZIP 255 deployment process.
Ledger is thrilled to share an important update for Zcash users: Ledger hardware wallets (excluding Ledger Nano S) now support deshielded Zcash (ZEC) transactions, including those that utilize Orchard and Sapling shielded inputs.
This marks a significant step forward in enhancing Zcash usability across hardware wallets. Users can now manage their transparent ZEC directly within Ledger Live, ensuring greater flexibility and security in handling their assets.
What does this mean?
Users can now spend shielded ZEC to transparent addresses (deshielding) using Ledger devices.
Both Orchard and Sapling shielded notes are supported for these transactions.
Full integration with Ledger Live makes managing transparent balances seamless.
Shielded Transactions Support Coming Next
While this update focuses on deshielded transactions, the Ledger team is actively working towards bringing native shielded transactions support to Ledger Live. To accelerate this, Ledger will apply for a grant from the Zcash Foundation. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development.
Imagine a ChatGPT that gives users access to different AI models anonymously, using Shielded ZEC for payments, where no one can see or access your information.
Yes, this is possible!
When you access NanoGPT, go to the ‘Balance’ tab and click on ‘Add via Crypto’. You will then see other payment options using crypto, including Shielded ZEC.
Scan the QR Code with your wallet or make the payment using the address.
If you don't NanoGPT, it offers strong privacy and decentralization benefits because it is lightweight, open-source, and can be run entirely on local machines without relying on external servers or APIs.
This allows individuals and organizations to keep their data private, fully control fine-tuning and model behavior, and avoid dependence on centralized AI providers. Its transparent codebase ensures there are no hidden data leaks, and its efficiency makes it feasible for edge computing and decentralized AI deployments.
Ultimately, NanoGPT empowers users with data sovereignty and independent AI capabilities.
Read the code and try it: github.com/karpathy/nanoGPT 😊
This week, the Zcash Foundation announced news about a new voting system. 👀
The team is exploring the idea of migrating from the Helios voting platform to Secure Internet Voting (SIV) for future ZCAP votes.
Over the years, Helios has shown limitations, particularly in support and development, prompting the team to evaluate better alternatives.
SIV is designed with cryptographers and digital democracy in mind, focusing on transparency, verifiability, and privacy. The platform’s founder, David Ernst, is a long-time Zcasher and privacy advocate whose vision aligns closely with the values of the Zcash community.
SIV has already been tested in real-world elections and offers robust features like anti-vote-selling protection, coercion resistance, and easy vote verification without complex cryptography.
Additionally, the SIV team is eager to collaborate with Zcash to improve the platform further, offering hands-on support during implementation. ZF is inviting community feedback on this potential migration. If there’s strong interest, a community AMA with David will be organized.
What do you think? Share you thoughts here 👉 Forum Thread!
This week, Josh shared a powerful message about the ongoing trial of Roman Storm, who is facing charges for writing privacy-protecting code. He warns that this case is not just about one developer, it’s a broader attack on privacy, open-source innovation, and the right to build tools that protect individual freedom.
Josh also highlights how governments are using surveillance under the guise of “protection,” while the crypto industry risks losing its core values by seeking regulatory approval at any cost. He urges the community to resist this erosion of privacy by building, using, and normalizing privacy tools on a massive scale.
Privacy only works if many people use it. When we all stand up for privacy, no one can be singled out.
It’s a great message, and we highly encourage you to read the full text. 💡
ECC Week Progress
Zashi
Progress made: ✔️
Optimized and released a Tor-enabled Zashi version to alpha testers
ECC signed an agreement with DoritoDEX to use dKit for Maya swaps in Zashi.
Upcoming: ➡️
Release Zashi with Tor support (in Beta)
NEAR Intents integration and testing for ZEC swaps and payments
Zcash Core 🦓
Progress made: ✔️
Released zcashd 6.3.0 with testnet support for NU6.1.
Continuing work on zcash_script for P2SH and multisig support.
Reviewed halo2 PR for ZSAs.
Upcoming: ➡️
Final review of specs and implementation changes for NU6.1.
Continued work on Zallet.
Supporting the next Zashi release.
Others 🌐
A couple of other posts on privacy this week from Tom and Juan and one on zk from Ethan.
Alex, Jason, and Josh met to discuss the current timeline for NU 6.1 and the voting process.
Josh met with DCG to provide an update on Zcash happenings and explore additional areas of support.
Other Highlights: