> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.husher.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.husher.io/documentation/privacy-model/privacy-model/use-of-privacy-focused-networks-monero-and-zcash.md).

# Use of Privacy-Focused Networks (Monero & Zcash)

Private Mode may route swaps through Monero or Zcash shielded transactions as intermediaries, reducing on-chain linkability without changing the non-custodial nature of execution

As referenced in Husher's official communication channels, Private Mode may route certain swaps through privacy-focused networks as intermediary steps. The two networks currently used for this purpose are Monero (XMR) and Zcash (shielded transactions).

Both networks are designed to limit transaction visibility on public blockchains. Using them as intermediaries introduces an additional layer between the input and output addresses of a swap.

{% hint style="info" %}
Using these networks as intermediaries does not change the non-custodial nature of the swap. Husher still does not hold funds, and the ESP still executes against external liquidity.
{% endhint %}

### Monero and Zcash as routing intermediaries

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Monero (XMR)" %}
Monero is a privacy-focused blockchain that obfuscates sender addresses, receiver addresses, and transaction amounts by default. When used as an intermediary in a Private Mode swap, Monero routing:

* Reduces direct on-chain linkage between the input and output assets
* Obscures execution paths from public mempool observers
* Helps mitigate MEV and sandwich-attack patterns
* Reduces behavioral wallet profiling across trades

Monero routing may be used selectively as part of a broader execution strategy.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Zcash (ZEC shielded)" %}
Zcash supports both transparent and shielded transactions. Shielded transactions use zero-knowledge proofs to encrypt sender, receiver, and amount data on-chain. When used as an intermediary in a Private Mode swap, Zcash shielded routing provides:

* Cryptographic privacy for the intermediate transaction details
* Reduced linkability between the input deposit and the final output
* An additional layer that public blockchain observers cannot easily trace

Only shielded (z-address) transactions provide these properties. Transparent Zcash transactions do not.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

### What both networks provide

| Property            | Monero (XMR)         | Zcash shielded (ZEC)            |
| ------------------- | -------------------- | ------------------------------- |
| Sender obscured     | Yes, by default      | Yes, with shielded transactions |
| Receiver obscured   | Yes, by default      | Yes, with shielded transactions |
| Amount obscured     | Yes, by default      | Yes, with shielded transactions |
| On-chain by default | Private              | Optional (shielded only)        |
| Husher use          | Routing intermediary | Routing intermediary            |

{% hint style="warning" %}
Implementation details may evolve as Husher develops its routing capabilities. Refer to the [Changelog](/documentation/changelog/changelog-and-updates.md) for updates on Private Mode and network support.
{% endhint %}

### Related pages

{% content-ref url="/pages/EmLpg3L0CAa0pTF3F29o" %}
[Private Mode Overview](/documentation/privacy-model/privacy-model/private-mode-overview.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/G5g64Nb6bKatK7c0JnFz" %}
[Execution Flow (Conceptual)](/documentation/privacy-model/privacy-model/execution-flow-conceptual.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/IQmKwqFAPqQ2PCaYOnz8" %}
[What Private Mode Does and Does Not Do](/documentation/privacy-model/privacy-model/what-private-mode-improves.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}