Vitalik Buterin: Stage 1+ L2 Networks Will Be the Future of Ethereum Scaling

Published: Sep 13, 2024
Written By:
Sebastian Gamez
Sebastian Gamez
Milk Road Writer

Vitalik Buterin will only endorse Layer-2 networks meeting “Stage 1+” standards from 2025, with a focus on security and decentralization.

Key points:

  • Buterin’s focus: Buterin will promote only Stage 1+ Layer-2 networks starting in 2025.
  • Security emphasis: Stage 1+ projects must have strong fraud-proof systems and decentralized governance.
  • Selective endorsement: Buterin might allow a short grace period for promising new projects.
  • Standards to tighten: Ethereum’s ecosystem will raise standards for supporting rollup projects.
  • Excitement for progress: Buterin believes several Layer-2 teams will meet these standards by year-end.

Buterin’s Vision for Ethereum Scaling:

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin announced that from 2025, he will only endorse Layer-2 (L2) networks that reach “Stage 1+” status.

This move emphasizes stronger security and decentralization standards for Ethereum. Layer-2 networks, like Optimism and Arbitrum, help scale Ethereum. Buterin’s new approach sets a higher bar for which projects get his support.

A “Stage 1+” network must have a fraud-proof or validity-proof system in place. This system ensures that state roots are correctly accepted. It must also have a security council to override the system in case of issues, increasing resilience.

Buterin plans to tighten support criteria. He believes Ethereum has been too lenient, backing projects simply because they promise decentralization.

By the end of 2024, only projects meeting stricter milestones will get support. There may be exceptions for promising new projects, but only the most secure networks will move forward.

Read more: New Vitalik proposal, WTF is EIP-7702?

Buterin remains optimistic. Several Zero-Knowledge (ZK) rollup projects are expected to meet the Stage 1+ standards by year-end​.

Sebastian Gamez

Sebastian has been immersed in the crypto space since 2021, specializing in research and building a deep understanding of blockchain technologies. His expertise includes exploring innovative trends and sharing insights through content creation, all driven by his passion for how crypto can reshape industries and unlock new possibilities for the future.

Sebastian Gamez
Sebastian Gamez
Milk Road Writer
Sebastian has been immersed in the crypto space since 2021, specializing in research and building a deep understanding of blockchain technologies. His expertise includes exploring innovative trends and sharing insights through content creation, all driven by his passion for how crypto can reshape industries and unlock new possibilities for the future.