Midnight is a Proof-of-Stake Layer 1 blockchain designed for programmable privacy, enabling selective data disclosure and regulatory-compliant decentralized applications. Built with zero-knowledge proofs (ZK-SNARKs), Midnight uses a dual-state architecture combining public UTXO governance with shielded private execution. The network features a dual-token model: NIGHT (staking and governance token) generates DUST– a renewable, non-transferable resource for transaction fees – and employs Compact, a TypeScript-based language for privacy-preserving smart contracts.

By integrating programmable privacy with blockchain transparency, Midnight enables developers to build applications balancing data protection with regulatory compliance requirements like GDPR and HIPAA. The Midnight blockchain benefits enterprises requiring confidential transactions, DeFi protocols needing selective disclosure, healthcare providers protecting patient data, and developers building privacy-first applications without sacrificing auditability or interoperability.