Compared to Privacy Coins
Ghost Protocol is often compared to privacy-focused cryptocurrencies. This comparison is useful but incomplete. Ghost Protocol is a different kind of system.
Zcash
Zcash pioneered practical zero-knowledge proofs for cryptocurrency. It introduced shielded transactions where sender, receiver, and amount are hidden.
Similarities:
- Both use zero-knowledge proofs
- Both provide strong cryptographic privacy
- Both allow selective disclosure
Differences:
| Aspect | Zcash | Ghost Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Currency only | General-purpose primitive |
| Model | Encrypted transactions | Commit-reveal with non-existence |
| Data storage | Encrypted notes on-chain | No data on-chain; commitments only |
| Default | Transparent by default | Private by default |
| Token support | ZEC only | Any token |
Key difference: Zcash encrypts transaction data and stores it on-chain. Ghost Protocol does not store transaction data at all. The data never exists in the system.
Monero
Monero provides privacy through ring signatures, stealth addresses, and confidential transactions. All transactions are private by default.
Similarities:
- Both provide default privacy
- Both aim to break transaction linkability
- Both resist surveillance
Differences:
| Aspect | Monero | Ghost Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy technique | Obfuscation (ring signatures) | Non-existence (commitments) |
| Decoy strategy | Mix real transactions with decoys | No transaction data to mix |
| Blockchain growth | Large (all transaction data) | Minimal (only commitments) |
| Programmability | Limited scripting | Full smart contract support |
Key difference: Monero hides real transactions among decoys. Ghost Protocol does not create transaction records to hide. The privacy models are fundamentally different.
Tornado Cash
Tornado Cash is a mixer protocol that breaks the link between deposits and withdrawals on Ethereum.
Similarities:
- Both use zero-knowledge proofs
- Both use commitment-reveal schemes
- Both break transaction linkability
Differences:
| Aspect | Tornado Cash | Ghost Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed amounts | Yes (specific denominations) | No (any amount) |
| Chain | Ethereum only | Dedicated chain |
| Merkle tree | On-chain (expensive) | Off-chain with on-chain roots |
| Token support | Limited to wrapped ETH/tokens | Native token support |
| Smart contracts | Mixer only | General-purpose |
Key difference: Tornado Cash is a mixing service built on Ethereum. Ghost Protocol is a protocol with its own execution environment. Tornado Cash deposits and withdraws to the same chain; Ghost Protocol commitments and reveals happen on a purpose-built system.
The Fundamental Distinction
All privacy coins solve the same problem differently: how to transfer value without creating a traceable record.
- Zcash encrypts the record
- Monero obfuscates the record
- Tornado Cash mixes records to break links
Ghost Protocol does not create a record. The commitment proves value exists without recording what it is or who owns it.
This is not just a technical distinction. It changes what guarantees are possible:
Encryption can be broken. Future advances in cryptanalysis or quantum computing could decrypt Zcash transactions.
Obfuscation can be de-anonymized. With enough data, ring signature anonymity sets can be reduced.
Mixing depends on liquidity. If few people use a mixer, the anonymity set is small.
Non-existence cannot be reversed. You cannot decrypt, de-anonymize, or analyze data that does not exist.
When to Use Which
Different systems are appropriate for different use cases:
Use Zcash when: You want a mature, battle-tested privacy coin with optional transparency.
Use Monero when: You want default privacy for everyday transactions with minimal user friction.
Use Tornado Cash when: You want to break links on Ethereum for existing assets.
Use Ghost Protocol when: You want privacy guarantees based on non-existence, general-purpose applications beyond currency, or integration with smart contracts.
These systems are not necessarily competitors. They serve different needs and can coexist.