Bankless The Private World Computer | Aztec Co-Founders Zac Williamson & Joe Andrews
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Dec 2, 2025 
Zac Williamson and Joe Andrews, co-founders of Aztec, dive into their mission to create a private, programmable Layer 2 for Ethereum. They discuss the importance of privacy in crypto, exploring how tools like ZK Passport protect identities against AI deepfakes. The duo also explains their innovative approach to routing trades while maintaining user confidentiality. They candidly address regulatory risks and share their motivations for building a privacy-focused future, urging a rethink on how identity and privacy intertwine in the evolving DeFi landscape.
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Transparency Limits Ethereum Use
- Ethereum remains fully transparent and that transparency limits professional and competitive use cases.
- Zac Williamson argues hiding balances and strategies is essential for advanced DeFi and trading.
E-Passports As ZK Identity Anchors
- ZK identity tech now verifies government e-passports via NFC chips, enabling on-chain proofs without exposing raw data.
- Joe Andrews says this lets apps check age or sanctions status privately using zero-knowledge proofs.
On-Device Liveness With ZK Proofs
- ZK Passport combines NFC passport signatures and on-device liveness checks to prove personhood without leaking personal data.
- Joe Andrews emphasizes the secure enclave keeps photos and details on-device while producing succinct proofs.