#### What is Iron? Iron (IRON) is a decentralized, proof-of-work ([PoW](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-proof-of-work-or-proof-of-stake)) based [blockchain](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-a-blockchain) project that aims to provide strong privacy guarantees for every transaction. It is designed to be a new [cryptocurrency](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-cryptocurrency) from the ground up, enabling easy-to-use, fully-private payments by closely following the Sapling [protocol](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-a-protocol). Iron Fish, as it is also known, is built to be the chain-agnostic privacy platform for crypto, aiming to make [web3](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/crypto-education/glossary/web3) safer, more accessible, and more attractive for mainstream adoption. It seeks to protect users from vulnerabilities associated with the transparent nature of blockchains, such as phishing attacks, scams, fraud, social engineering, and theft. #### How does Iron work? Iron operates on a proof-of-work (PoW) [consensus mechanism](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/crypto-education/glossary/consensus-mechanism-protocol) and uses zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to validate all transactions, ensuring they are private. Every Iron account is equipped with a view key, granting its holder read-only permission for the details of that account. This protocol aims to challenge previous patterns of full [node](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/crypto-education/glossary/node) usability. The Iron Fish networking layer supports WebRTC with WebSockets, making it easy for all users to make a true [P2P](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/crypto-education/glossary/peer-to-peer) connection with no other setup requirements. Iron Fish also supports custom assets, providing a platform for users to create and manage their own digital assets. #### What are the potential use cases for Iron? Iron aims to unlock a variety of use cases necessary for mass adoption of cryptocurrency. It seeks to enable private payments, allowing employers to pay employees via crypto, providing a true alternative to bank wires, and unlocking safe crypto payments between individuals. It also aims to allow financial institutions to digitize assets in a privacy-compliant way. Iron Fish is built for everyone, aiming to make decentralized currency easy-to-use and convenient while offering developers a needed base for building sophisticated applications on its encrypted network. #### What is the history of Iron? Iron Fish was designed to be a new cryptocurrency from the ground up, closely following the Sapling protocol to enable easy-to-use, fully-private payments. The mainnet of Iron Fish was launched on April 20th, 2023. Since its inception, Iron Fish has been focused on privacy, aiming to make web3 safer, more accessible, and more attractive for mainstream adoption. It has been built with the intention of being used by good actors who are excited about the positive impact crypto can make to our collective future. Iron Fish is an open-source and community-focused project, with its development and features directly influenced by feedback from users and community members.