Layer 2 (L2) scaling solutions are changing the landscape of Ethereum. According to L2BEAT data, the total locked value (TVL) of L2 projects has exceeded $50 billion, and there are more than 120 projects in the ecosystem. However, with the rapid development of L2, security risks are becoming increasingly prominent. For a long time, people have mainly evaluated L2 projects from the perspective of decentralization, but L2BEAT's new framework is driving a fundamental change in the evaluation criteria, putting security first.
New standards define the L2 world pattern
The new framework proposed by L2BEAT includes three key updates designed to increase transparency and strengthen the security of user funds. These changes not only redefine the classification of L2 projects, but also place higher requirements on rollup data availability and proof systems.
1. Reclassify 'Other' category projects
Projects without appropriate proof systems or unable to provide sufficient data availability guarantees will be classified as 'Other'. These projects typically rely on centralized control or weak DA committees, including traditional chains like Polygon PoS. Although these projects were previously classified as L2, their structure lacks the necessary technical guarantees and can no longer meet the new standards.
2. Mandatory proof systems become key
All projects deemed secure rollups must implement mandatory proof systems. This system ensures that even if permissioned participants fail, user funds remain protected, allowing for permissionless exits. Projects like StarkNet have pioneered this technology by verifying each state transition to ensure their security.
3. Stricter data availability guarantees
Alt-DA L2 (such as validiums and optimiums) projects must meet higher decentralization data availability requirements. This means projects need to deploy decentralized DA committees or use appropriate data availability proof bridges, rather than relying on small centralized entities. This update will directly enhance the security of user assets.
Countdown to 2025: Improve or reclassify
To meet the requirements of the new framework, the L2 project team must complete the necessary technical adjustments within the next six months. Projects that fail to meet the standards will face reclassification or exclusion from the 'qualified rollup' list. L2BEAT will also provide technical support to the relevant teams to help them transition smoothly.
Community support and endorsements from industry leaders
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin expressed full support for this new regulation and announced that starting in 2025, only projects that meet the new standards will be supported. He emphasized, "The era of rollups being simplified to multi-signatures is over; the future belongs to cryptographic trust and decentralized technological frameworks." Buterin's stance further clarifies the expectations of the entire Ethereum community for L2 projects, prioritizing security and decentralization. Active community participation will become the core force driving industry upgrades, ensuring that more users can confidently use the technologies within the Ethereum ecosystem.
L2BEAT commits to doubling its efforts to review and supervise proof systems by 2025. It focuses not only on whether projects implement proof systems but also delves deeper into their performance and reliability. With new tools like ZK Catalog, L2BEAT will provide a more comprehensive basis for evaluating projects, setting a higher technical benchmark for the entire industry.
All of this is highly aligned with Ethereum's long-term vision: to build a decentralized, secure, and trustworthy L2 world. Through a sense of responsibility and higher technical standards, L2 projects are moving towards a truly fair and transparent future.
L2BEAT's new framework not only drives the iteration of industry technology but also builds a solid barrier for the security of user assets. As the Ethereum community unites to safeguard higher technical standards, we are one step closer to a fully decentralized L2 world.
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