Zcash draft upgrade threatens to freeze legacy Sprout pool tokens

A proposed network upgrade for Zcash known as NU7 would disable the ability to spend funds stored in its original privacy pool, Sprout, CryptoSlate, TOKENPOST, and Pluang reported. If the update is implemented, holders maintaining intact private keys would still lose the technical ability to move those assets on the upgraded blockchain network. [1][2][3]

Data cited by CryptoSlate and TOKENPOST shows that the legacy Sprout pool held approximately 22,309 ZEC as of October 17. Under the draft deployment specifications for the NU7 upgrade, these legacy funds would effectively become stranded and unspendable, even though they remain issued on the blockchain. [1][2]

Zcash launched on October 28, 2016, as a fork of Bitcoin designed to provide optional privacy features using advanced cryptographic protocols. The network allows users to make shielded transactions that hide details such as the sender, receiver, and transaction amounts on a public ledger. [6]

Mainnet timing for the upgrade remains undecided. According to CryptoSlate, the deployment specifications leave the precise activation height unassigned, with developers expecting to reach a decision on October 20 following testnet evaluation. November 5 remains the target deployment date, contingent on that upcoming decision. [1]