Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin declared a new approach to how he will engage with Layer 2 rollups in his public communications, including blogs and talks.
Starting next year, to promote decentralization among Layer 2 rollups, Buterin said he plans to mention only Layer 2 solutions that are “stage 1+” in decentralization unless they are part of a short grace period allocated for particularly innovative new projects.
Buterin expressed his stance via X, stating that personal investments or friendships will not influence his decision to highlight certain Layer 2 technologies. “It doesn’t matter if I invested, or if you’re my friend; stage 1 or bust,” Buterin said.
According to Buterin, the criteria for “stage 1+” rollups require that a council reach a 75% consensus to override the proof system. No fewer than 26% of the council members must be independent of the roll-up team itself, emphasizing security and decentralization.
Buterin noted that this is a “very reasonable moderate milestone” and a necessary progression in the security of Layer 2 networks.
Start your day with the most influential events and analysis
happening across the digital asset ecosystem.
Most rollup-based Layer 2 blockchains on Ethereum have yet to decentralize their networks by reaching stage 1, attained by processes like incorporating fault proofs. The only exception is optimistic rollup Arbitrum.
Buterin added that several teams working on ZK rollups have informed him they are on track to achieve stage 1 status by the end of this year.
Buterin also highlighted the importance of moving away from “glorified multi sigs” — a term for more straightforward, less secure systems for Layer 2 rollups — towards a framework built on cryptographic trust.
Disclaimer: The Block is an independent media outlet that delivers news, research, and data. As of November 2023, Foresight Ventures is a majority investor of The Block. Foresight Ventures invests in other companies in the crypto space. Crypto exchange Bitget is an anchor LP for Foresight Ventures. The Block continues to operate independently to deliver objective, impactful, and timely information about the crypto industry. Here are our current financial disclosures.
© 2024 The Block. All Rights Reserved. This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
