# Zcash privacy rating

Cryptocurrency that uses zero-knowledge proofs to offer shielded transactions, which hide the sender, receiver and amount. Transparent transactions are also supported, so privacy depends on using shielded addresses.

## Summary

Zcash scores 70 out of 100 (grade C) on the private cryptocurrencies criteria. It meets 3 of 4 criteria: open source, no ads or data sales and independent audit. It does not meet no trackers or telemetry. It is based in the United States: Five Eyes member; subject to the US CLOUD Act.

- Website: https://z.cash
- Source code: https://github.com/ZcashFoundation/zebra
- License: Apache-2.0
- Jurisdiction: United States. Five Eyes member. Subject to the US CLOUD Act.
- Home page trackers: none found
- Category: [Private cryptocurrencies](https://privacyratings.com/cryptocurrencies/)
- Grade: C (70/100)

## Criteria

| Criterion | Answer | Note | Evidence |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Open source | Yes | MIT and Apache-2.0. Zebra is the main node implementation after zcashd reached end of life. | https://github.com/ZcashFoundation/zebra/blob/main/LICENSE-APACHE |
| No trackers or telemetry | No | The z.cash cookie settings list Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager as essential cookies that cannot be switched off. | https://z.cash/privacy-policy/ |
| No ads or data sales | Yes | The privacy policy states personal data is not sold or used for targeted advertising. Development is funded by a protocol development fund and donations. | https://z.cash/privacy-policy/ |
| Independent audit | Yes | Least Authority published a full audit of the Zebra node's NU6.1 network upgrade changes. | https://leastauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/ZCG-Zebra-NU6.1-Network-Upgrade-Final-Audit-Report.pdf |

Source: https://privacyratings.com/cryptocurrencies/zcash/
Edit: https://github.com/privacyratings/privacyratings.com/edit/main/ratings/cryptocurrencies/zcash.md