SNEAK PEEK
Buterin sets “stage 1” decentralization as the new standard for layer-2 scaling solutions.
Only “stage 1” layer-2 projects with active proofs will earn Vitalik Buterin’s recognition.
Buterin’s shift highlights stricter decentralization and cryptographic trust for rollups.
Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum’s co-founder, has set a clear benchmark for recognizing layer-2 scaling solutions, emphasizing that only those at “stage 1” of decentralization will gain his acknowledgment moving forward. This declaration, shared on Sept. 12 via X (formerly Twitter), underscores Buterin’s commitment to devolution and marks a significant shift in his stance on layer-2 projects.
I take this seriously. Starting next year, I plan to only publicly mention (in blogs, talks, etc) L2s that are stage 1+, with *maybe a short grace period* for new genuinely interesting projects.
It doesn't matter if I invested, or if you're my friend; stage 1 or bust.
Multiple… pic.twitter.com/4cGxgsfmUc
— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) September 12, 2024
In his recent communication, Buterin highlighted the importance of meeting the “stage 1” decentralization criteria as a minimum standard. This requirement involves an active fraud-proof or validity-proof mechanism and a multi-signature-based override system or “security council.”
The security council has to function with restrictions, including getting at least 6 of 8 signatures and being located outside of the roll-up organization. Further, the updates need to have at least a week worth of buffers for proper assessment and security concerns.
Buterin’s message is clear: starting next year, he will only publicly acknowledge layer-2 networks that have achieved this decentralization. He emphasized the seriousness of this stance by stating, “It doesn’t matter if I invested or if you’re my friend, stage 1 or bust.”
Nevertheless, Buterin divides decentralization on layer-2 solutions into three fundamental stages. The first one is known as “stage 0” or “full training wheels,” wherein projects claim rollup status such that all computations and transactions happen on-chain with no interference from the operator.
“Stage 1,” the new minimum for Buterin’s acknowledgment, is the next level of decentralization. Third, “stage 2” or “no training wheels” means that no group can prevent something from happening based on the code output unless a flaw is discovered with the new system.
This stage allows minimal use of security councils, limited to clear bug cases, and requires a 30-day upgrade activation delay.
The problem is that the focus on attaining “stage 1” or higher is rather problematic. Some of the zero-knowledge rollup teams have said they are on course to meet these targets by the end of the year, something that Buterin warmly looks forward to. He pointed out that “the era of rollups being glorified multisigs is ending,” meaning that cryptographic trust will become instrumental.
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