CMC News

#Aave Transfers Lens Social Protocol Control to Mask Network

Mask Network is taking over consumer-facing product execution on Lens Protocol as Aave steps back to an advisory role focused on core protocol infrastructure. The transition reshapes responsibilities for the #Web3 social platform while maintaining its open-source foundation.

Aave and Lens founder Stani Kulechov confirmed the stewardship change on Tuesday. He said Aave's role will narrow to technical advisory support as the company refocuses on #DeFi, while Mask Network will lead the next phase of development for Lens at the application and product layer.

Mask Network focuses on integrating #blockchain features into social and messaging platforms. The company assumes responsibility for consumer-facing execution, including product roadmap decisions, user experience design, and day-to-day operational leadership for social applications built on Lens.

Neither Lens nor Aave characterized the move as an acquisition or exit from social infrastructure. The protocol's underlying components, including its #on-chain social graph, profiles, follows, and smart contracts, will remain open-source and permissionless.

No transfer of protocol ownership, intellectual property, treasuries, or governance control occurred as part of the transition. Aave will continue acting as a technical adviser, offering input on protocol-level decisions without leading product development.