Monero Veterans Launch Tari — A Privacy-First Blockchain for Everyday Users
In a world where data is constantly under surveillance and privacy is often compromised for convenience, the Tari blockchain just flipped the script.
Developed by former Monero developers, Tari officially launched its mainnet this week, positioning itself as a privacy-first, proof-of-work Layer 1 that’s not just confidential by design—but also wildly accessible. It’s not trying to compete with Ethereum or Solana by offering DeFi or NFTs right out the gate. Instead, it’s going back to crypto’s roots: mining, privacy, and giving real people control over their digital lives.
Let’s break down what makes Tari such a buzzworthy launch in an already saturated crypto market.
Privacy Is the Default, Not an Option
From day one, Tari is confidential-by-default. That means:
- Sender and receiver addresses? Hidden.
- Transaction amounts? Also hidden.
- On-chain balances? Completely private.
This approach stands in stark contrast to many blockchains—including Bitcoin and Ethereum—where every transaction is permanently visible on a public ledger.
“Default surveillance blockchains create a world where anyone can see how much money you have,” said Tari contributor Naveen Jain. “Why should users accept a system that makes them objectively less safe?”
The idea isn’t just about financial privacy—it’s about physical security, too. With over 21 documented physical attacks on crypto holders just this year, according to Bitcoin security expert Jameson Lopp, the need for transactional anonymity has never been more urgent.
Built for Everyone: 3-Step Onboarding and Gamified Mining
Unlike most blockchains, which often feel like they were built by developers for developers, Tari aims for simplicity and user-friendliness.
Their Tari Universe app, available on both Mac and PC, lets users:
- Start mining Tari’s native coin XTM
- Send or receive tokens
- Invite friends and earn rewards
- Visualize their mining progress in a gamified dashboard
And onboarding? Just three simple steps.
Forget hardware wallets, seed phrase stress, or complex exchanges—Tari’s goal is to make becoming a blockchain user as easy as joining a social network.
How Tari Differs From Monero and Other Chains
So, how does Tari stack up against its predecessor, Monero, or the major players like Ethereum and Bitcoin?
| Feature | Tari | Monero | Bitcoin | Ethereum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Default Privacy | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Proof-of-Work | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (PoS) |
| Easy Onboarding | ✅ 3 steps | ❌ More complex | ❌ Requires wallet | ❌ Requires wallet |
| Gamified Mining | ✅ Tari Universe app | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
While Monero remains the OG privacy coin, Tari adds usability and simplicity into the mix—something even Monero enthusiasts admit has been lacking.
Airdrops, Accessibility, and Community First
Before launch, Tari’s testnet attracted:
- 700,000+ airdrop participants
- Nearly 100,000 active testnet miners
That’s no small feat for a project that had yet to go live. It also signals massive early interest in a privacy-forward chain that doesn’t cater only to whales, bots, or institutional players.
“The goal is to reward users who put in the hard work of securing the network—not bots or ‘KOLs’,” Jain explained.
This grassroots-first mentality could make Tari the go-to network for real users, not just speculators or yield farmers.
What Can You Do on Tari Right Now?
On Day 1, users can:
- Mine XTM via desktop using proof-of-work
- Send or receive tokens with full privacy
- Earn rewards by inviting friends
- Explore a gamified mining experience
But that’s just the beginning.
Coming soon:
- A native Tari Layer 2 for apps and faster transactions
- An on-chain app store for decentralized applications
- Support for privacy-first financial tools and developer protocols
Tari’s devs are building more than just a coin—they’re aiming for an ecosystem.
Why Tari Matters Now
As surveillance becomes more normalized—even on blockchain networks—the importance of confidential financial infrastructure can’t be overstated.
Whether you’re:
- A developer looking for a private-by-default platform
- A miner wanting a low-barrier way to participate
- Or just a user tired of having your every move tracked…
Tari is offering a new way to engage with crypto without sacrificing safety.
And in a landscape increasingly driven by regulatory pressures and public ledgers, that’s a radical—and welcome—departure.
FAQs
Q: What is Tari?
Tari is a new layer-1 blockchain focused on privacy and accessibility. It uses proof-of-work and makes all transactions confidential by default.
Q: Who created Tari?
Tari was developed by a team of veteran developers from the Monero community, known for their work in privacy-enhancing technologies.
Q: How do I start mining XTM?
Download the Tari Universe app on your Mac or PC, follow the 3-step setup, and start mining in a gamified environment.
Q: Can I send and receive crypto on Tari?
Yes, users can send and receive XTM, Tari’s native token, with all transaction details hidden by default.
Q: Is Tari a fork of Monero?
Nope! Tari is its own blockchain and not a fork. While inspired by Monero’s privacy principles, it’s an independent Layer 1 network.
