---
layout: moneropedia
entry: "View Key"
terms: ["view-key", "view-keys"]
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"
---

### The Basics

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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". 

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.