# The blockchain for unstoppable private apps

> The network behind unstoppable private apps: programmable privacy and decentralization on an Ethereum L2, with no central sequencer and no master viewing key.

Canonical: https://aztec.network/blockchain  
Type: Page summary  
Publisher: Aztec Foundation

## Questions

### Is Aztec an Ethereum Layer 2?

Yes. Aztec is a decentralized Ethereum L2 and the leading platform for unstoppable private apps. Contracts can combine private and public state and logic. Private functions run on the user's device and are verified by proof without requiring their private inputs to be published. L2BEAT assesses Aztec at Stage 2 for rollup maturity.

Reviewed 21 September 2026  
Sources: [l2beat.com](https://l2beat.com/scaling/projects/aztecnetwork)

### Who runs Aztec Network?

Permissionless sequencers and provers run Aztec under published protocol rules. Sequencers stake $AZTEC to participate in block production, while provers generate epoch proofs. Upgrades follow sequencer signalling, tokenholder voting, and a timelock. No company has a privileged operator role.

Reviewed 21 September 2026  
Sources: [l2beat.com](https://l2beat.com/scaling/projects/aztecnetwork)

### What is Aztec Network?

Aztec is the leading platform for unstoppable private apps: a decentralized Ethereum L2 with programmable privacy. Applications combine private and public logic to define what is revealed. Private functions execute on the user's device, sequencers and provers participate under published protocol rules, and proofs settle on Ethereum. Aztec is Alpha software; check application disclosure rules and current network status before use.

Reviewed 21 September 2026  
Sources: [l2beat.com](https://l2beat.com/scaling/projects/aztecnetwork)

_This is a summary of https://aztec.network/blockchain, not its full text. Read the page for the whole argument._

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Markdown representation of https://aztec.network/blockchain. Published by Aztec Foundation.
