# An Empirical Analysis of Anonymity in Zcash

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1805.03180 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1805.03180/

## Key facts

- Cited by 3 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 8 May 2018.

## Built on by (most cited first, 3 of 3)

- [Live Graph Lab: Towards Open, Dynamic and Real Transaction Graphs with NFT](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.11709/) (2023)
- [Machine Learning for Blockchain Data Analysis: Progress and Opportunities](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2404.18251/) (2024)
- [Argumentation Schemes for Blockchain Deanonymization](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2305.16883/) (2023)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Among the now numerous alternative cryptocurrencies derived from Bitcoin, Zcash is often touted as the one with the strongest anonymity guarantees, due to its basis in well-regarded cryptographic research. In this paper, we examine the extent to which anonymity is achieved in the deployed version of Zcash. We investigate all facets of anonymity in Zcash's transactions, ranging from its transparent transactions to the interactions with and within its main privacy feature, a shielded pool that acts as the anonymity set for users wishing to spend coins privately. We conclude that while it is possible to use Zcash in a private way, it is also possible to shrink its anonymity set considerably by developing simple heuristics based on identifiable patterns of usage.