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---
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summary: 'one of two sets of private and public cryptographic keys that each account has, with the private view key required to view all transactions related to the account'
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terms: ["view-key", "view-keys"]
---
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{% include disclaimer.html translated="no" translationOutdated="no" %}
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### The Basics
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One of two sets of private and public cryptographic keys that each account
has, with the private view key required to view all transactions related to
the account.
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Monero features an opaque blockchain (with an explicit allowance system
called the @view -key), in sharp contrast with transparent blockchains used
by any other cryptocurrency not based on CryptoNote. Thus, Monero is said to
be "private, optionally transparent".
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Every Monero address has a private viewkey which can be shared. By sharing
a viewkey, a person is allowing access to view every incoming transaction
for that address. However, outgoing transactions cannot be reliably viewed
as of June 2017. Therefore, the balance of a Monero address as shown via a
viewkey should not be relied upon.
