Shiba Inu is preparing for significant enhancements to its Shibarium network, with plans for a comprehensive privacy transformation and a new AI-powered gaming partnership. The privacy technology is anticipated to be implemented before the second quarter of 2026, while new gaming utilities are already in development.
Shibarium Privacy Upgrade Planned for 2026
According to Shiba Inu ecosystem lead Lucie, Shibarium will integrate Zama's Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) technology. This advanced privacy solution, developed by the cryptography firm Zama, is expected to go live before Q2 2026.
This upgrade will enable Shibarium to support encrypted smart contracts, private transactions, and secure governance tools, all while ensuring that user information remains private. This transition will shift Shibarium from a standard Layer-2 network to a next-generation, privacy-focused blockchain designed for enhanced security and confidentiality.
Zama → Shibarium Privacy upgrade incoming
— 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐈𝐄 (@LucieSHIB) November 27, 2025
That means that before the end of Q2 2026, we could finally get full on chain privacy and confidential smart contracts on Shibarium and Bone thanks to Zama’s Fully Homomorphic Encryption tech. pic.twitter.com/0uc4qNZ2co
Zama has already launched its public testnet on Ethereum Sepolia and intends to launch on the Ethereum mainnet by late 2025. Following this, the team plans to expand to other EVM chains in the first half of 2026 and will deploy separately on Solana by late 2026.
Benefits for Developers and Users
This upgrade is poised to create new opportunities for developers looking to build the next generation of blockchain applications. These include privacy-focused decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, secure gaming platforms, enhanced governance tools, and decentralized applications for institutions that require confidentiality.
For users, the upgrade promises stronger protection of their personal information, which may encourage those who have been hesitant to use blockchain platforms due to transparency concerns.
New TokenPlay AI Gaming Partnership Enhances SHIB Utility
In parallel, Shiba Inu has announced a partnership with TokenPlay AI, an AI-driven gaming platform, aimed at bolstering Shibarium's gaming ecosystem. This collaboration will integrate SHIB tokens into AI-powered play-to-earn mechanics, thereby expanding the token's utility amidst increasing developer activity. Shibarium is currently processing over 1 million daily transactions following recent security enhancements.
Potential for Increased SHIB Adoption
The strategic move towards a privacy-enabled Shibarium could attract a broader range of users and companies to the ecosystem. As interest and participation grow, the native token, SHIB, may experience increased demand and enhanced ecosystem utility.
Following Lucie's announcement, the SHIB token price saw a 5.4% increase, trading around $0.000009 with a market capitalization reaching $5.31 billion.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Shibarium privacy upgrade is expected before Q2 2026, following Zama’s rollout across Ethereum and other EVM networks.
Users will gain stronger data protection, private transactions, and safer on-chain activity, making Shibarium more secure and user-friendly.
Yes. Enhanced privacy, expanded gaming utility, and rising network activity have the potential to attract more developers and users, thereby increasing SHIB’s demand.