Public Ledger Privacy

Definition ∞ Public Ledger Privacy refers to the degree to which personal or transactional information is obscured or anonymized on a public blockchain, despite the ledger’s inherently transparent and immutable nature. This concept addresses the challenge of maintaining confidentiality on open and distributed networks. It balances transparency with individual data protection.
Context ∞ Public ledger privacy remains a significant discussion point within the cryptocurrency space, balancing the need for transparency in auditing and security with user confidentiality requirements. Various cryptographic techniques, such as zero-knowledge proofs and coin mixing services, are being developed and implemented to enhance privacy features on public blockchains. These efforts address both regulatory scrutiny and user demand for greater anonymity.