Deep Dive
1. Anti-MEV ZK DKG Audited (20 August 2025)
Overview: Neo X’s distributed key generation protocol, designed to combat Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) attacks, passed a security audit by Hacken. This paves the way for testnet and mainnet launches.
The protocol uses zero-knowledge proofs to encrypt transaction ordering, preventing validators from front-running or sandwiching user trades. This addresses a critical pain point in DeFi, where MEV bots siphon millions annually.
What this means: This is bullish for NEO because enhanced transaction fairness could attract more DeFi projects and users seeking MEV-resistant chains. Improved security may also boost investor confidence.
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Overview: Neo partnered with ChainGPT to embed AI tools like no-code smart contract generation and automated auditing into its developer ecosystem.
The integration provides Neo N3/NEO X builders with AI chatbots for troubleshooting, automated code audits, and NFT generation templates. This reduces development time and lowers entry barriers for Web3 projects.
What this means: This is bullish for NEO because streamlined development could accelerate dApp growth on Neo’s platforms, potentially increasing network usage and GAS token demand.
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3. Neo Legacy Shutdown (14 May 2025)
Overview: Neo Legacy’s mainnet was permanently retired, with exchanges like MEXC halting deposits/withdrawals for Legacy-based assets like FLM.
The shutdown consolidates resources toward Neo N3, which offers higher throughput (10,000 TPS vs. Legacy’s 1,000 TPS) and improved interoperability features. Users must migrate assets to N3-compatible wallets.
What this means: This is neutral for NEO because while sunsetting legacy systems reduces technical debt, forced migrations risk temporary user friction or asset loss for non-technical holders.
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Conclusion
Neo’s codebase updates signal a strategic pivot toward AI-augmented development and MEV-resistant infrastructure, aligning with broader Web3 trends. While security and tooling upgrades strengthen its ecosystem, the Legacy shutdown highlights execution risks in sunsetting older networks. Will Neo’s AI partnerships catalyze meaningful dApp growth before competitors replicate these features?