Midnight is a Proof-of-Stake Layer 1 blockchain built with a strong focus on programmable privacy. It allows data to remain private by default while still giving users the ability to selectively share information when required, making it suitable for regulatory-compliant decentralized applications.
At its core, Midnight uses zero-knowledge proofs (ZK-SNARKs) to ensure that transactions can be verified without exposing sensitive data. Its dual-state architecture combines a public UTXO-based system for governance with a shielded layer for private execution, striking a balance between transparency and confidentiality.
The network operates on a dual-token model. NIGHT acts as the primary token for staking and governance, while also generating DUST, a renewable and non-transferable resource used to pay transaction fees. For development, Midnight introduces Compact, a TypeScript-based language designed specifically for building privacy-preserving smart contracts.
By merging privacy with transparency, Midnight opens the door for real-world use cases where both are essential. It is particularly valuable for enterprises handling sensitive transactions, DeFi platforms that require selective disclosure, healthcare systems protecting patient data, and developers looking to build privacy-first applications without compromising on compliance or auditability.