Menese brings private Bitcoin balances to Internet Computer network

Menese Protocol has introduced private Bitcoin balances through ckBTC on the Internet Computer (ICP), allowing users to move the Bitcoin-linked token into a private balance while accessing cross-chain swaps, according to the project.

The latest update allows users to transfer ckBTC, an ICP-based token backed one-to-one by Bitcoin, into Menese’s private balance. The project says this makes transaction activity less visible on the public blockchain, giving users greater privacy when managing their funds.

Menese also says users can swap Solana (SOL) for Bitcoin (BTC), or Ethereum (ETH) for Solana, through a single action on the platform.

The announcement adds that private swaps between ckBTC and ICP are expected to launch next week. Liquidity providers from both chains will be able to contribute liquidity and earn fees from the activity, according to the project.

The update builds on Menese’s earlier launch of private ICP transactions. The protocol has described its privacy system as using cryptographic proofs generated in the user’s browser and verified on-chain. Its developer materials also outline a shielded ledger designed to keep transaction details from appearing in publicly accessible records.

The distinction between private balances and conventional blockchain transactions is important. Public blockchains allow activity associated with wallet addresses to be examined, while privacy-focused systems aim to restrict the information that outside observers can access. However, the level of protection depends on the underlying technology, its implementation and the way users interact with the service.

Menese’s latest announcement does not provide detailed performance figures or an independent security assessment of the new ckBTC feature. Users should review the protocol’s technical documentation and understand the risks involved in digital asset transactions before moving funds.

The development adds another privacy-focused use case to the Internet Computer ecosystem, where chain-key tokens such as ckBTC connect assets from other blockchain networks with applications running on ICP.