Starknet has introduced strkBTC, a Bitcoin-backed asset enabling private transfers on its layer-2 network using zero-knowledge cryptography. The token, backed 1:1 by BTC and redeemable at any time, is the first to utilize Starknet's new privacy infrastructure. This launch follows Starknet's v0.14.2 mainnet upgrade, which added core infrastructure for private transactions. strkBTC offers optional privacy, allowing users to shield balances and transactions or keep them transparent. It includes a viewing-key mechanism for compliance, enabling selective disclosure of transaction history. The BTC bridge operates on a federation model supported by five institutions, with plans to transition to a more trust-minimized system. Starknet aims to combine Bitcoin's liquidity with privacy and DeFi composability, potentially attracting new capital to its network.