Vitalik Defends Base as an Ethereum L2: Centralized UX Gains Without Custody or Withdrawal Risk

COINOTAG reported on September 23 that the debate over centralization of Base layer sequencers has intensified, with some critics suggesting Base functions more like a trading platform than a conventional Layer 2 network. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin publicly defended the design, stating that Base’s use of sequencer-level centralization is an intentional trade-off to deliver enhanced user experience while anchoring finality and security to the Ethereum base layer.

Vitalik also highlighted that Base does not custody user funds and, per L2beat’s Phase 1 criteria, cannot seize or block withdrawals — a structural assurance that aligns the sequencer model with established Layer 2 security expectations and the broader Ethereum settlement architecture.