As a researcher with a keen interest in blockchain technology and Ethereum’s evolution, I find Vitalik Buterin’s commitment to decentralization both inspiring and challenging. Having followed his journey since the early days of Ethereum, it’s fascinating to see how his vision for layer-2 scaling has matured over time.
Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has drawn a clear boundary for layer-2 scaling networks by stating that only those achieving “Stage 1” in terms of decentralization will have his endorsement. In a post dated September 12, 2024, Buterin reiterated his commitment to decentralization, indicating that from the following year onwards, only projects adhering to his criteria will receive public backing.
Starting from the next year, I intend to limit my discussions about L2s (second languages) in public forums such as blogs and talks to those that have reached Stage 1+. However, there might be a brief exception for innovative projects just beginning, but only if they truly captivate my interest. Regardless of whether I’ve invested or we’re friends, if it’s at Stage 1, it won’t pass muster. In other words, I’m all in for Stage 1+ and beyond.
— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) September 12, 2024
Vitalik Buterin made it clear that projects not reaching the specified level are effectively “dead in his books”. He emphasized that personal relationships or financial interests won’t sway his opinion, stating, “Stage 1 is non-negotiable.” This stance underscores Ethereum’s ambition for a secure and decentralized future. Some zero-knowledge rollup teams have promised to achieve this target by the end of 2024.
Decentralization Milestone for Layer-2
Vitalik Buterin’s idea for Ethereum scaling, originally proposed in 2022, has evolved over time. Initially, it outlined a roadmap for layer-2 solutions to transition towards full decentralization. This process begins with “Stage 0”, which involves projects still in their early stages of development. During this phase, these projects rely on central control and have weak cryptographic security.
In the next phase, “Stage 1,” Vitalik Buterin introduces significant components such as proofs to prevent fraud or ensure validity, a multi-signature setup monitored by external oversight and a secure council. This change signifies that rollups are no longer merely “fancy multisigs” as Buterin previously described them, as he criticized their insufficient level of true decentralization.
As projects transition into Initial Phase (Stage 1), Buterin expresses confidence in their advancement, indicating a shift towards enhanced cryptographic reliability. This development paves the way for “Phase 2,” during which decentralization attains its maximum level, and security councils intervene primarily to address bugs. With extended periods of upgrades ensuring safety, this phase is characterized by minimal council intervention.
Ethereum’s Push for Layer-2 Efficiency
As a crypto investor, I find myself standing at a pivotal moment in Ethereum’s scaling journey. Over the years, we’ve witnessed significant advancements through Layer 1 upgrades such as the Dencun update in March 2024. Now, Vitalik Buterin envisions the next phase of scaling, focusing on incremental enhancements rather than a single, monumental shift.
A variety of initiatives such as ZKsync, Arbitrum, and Optimism are actively pursuing complete decentralization within the coming years. However, this is only the start. Ethereum’s founder, Buterin, anticipates that by 2025, Ethereum will transition into a new era of rollups, characterized by full decentralization and minimal external interaction. Given Ethereum’s consistent development and the scalability offered by layer-2 solutions, Buterin’s prediction might become reality in the near future.
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2024-09-12 15:15