Vitalik Buterin’s New Stance: Only Highlighting Stage 1+ Ethereum Layer 2 Projects Moving Forward

• Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has announced a significant shift in how he discusses layer 2 networks in his public communications.
• Buterin aims to emphasize projects that demonstrate a foundational commitment to decentralization, particularly those meeting his established “Stage 1” threshold.
• “It doesn’t matter if I invested, or if you’re my friend; stage 1 or bust,” Buterin asserted, setting a new benchmark for validation in the space.

This article delves into Vitalik Buterin’s new approach to layer 2 networks, examining the implications for decentralization and the future of Ethereum.

Buterin’s New Criteria for Layer 2 Network Endorsement

Vitalik Buterin has taken a firm stance on the level of decentralization required for layer 2 (L2) networks to earn his public support. In a recent post on X, he revealed that starting next year, he will only reference layer 2 solutions that are classified as “Stage 1 or above.” This guideline is a direct response to the increasing reliance on partially decentralized mechanisms in the Ethereum ecosystem. Buterin’s criteria aim to promote a more decentralized future for Ethereum’s scalability solutions, thereby enhancing the overall integrity and security of the network.

Understanding Buterin’s Decentralization Framework

In 2022, Buterin introduced a structured framework categorizing layer 2 projects into three distinct stages based on their level of decentralization. Stage 0 involves complete reliance on what he calls “training wheels,” where the projects are not fully autonomous. Progressing to Stage 1 indicates that a network is utilizing fraud proofs—an essential mechanism in cryptography that supports decentralized transaction validation. Finally, Stage 2 represents full decentralization, which has yet to be achieved by any leading rollups in the ecosystem.

L2Beat’s Insights on Layer 2 Protocols

According to the analytics platform L2Beat, only a few prominent layer 2 solutions have reached Buterin’s Stage 1 classification. Currently, Arbitrum One, OP Mainnet, and zkSync lite are among those identified as adhering to this threshold. However, no project has successfully transitioned to Stage 2, highlighting the challenges that these networks face in achieving full decentralization. The data underscores that the journey toward robust scalability solutions remains fraught with obstacles.

The Shift Away from “Glorified Multisigs”

In light of these developments, Buterin emphasized that the time for relying on “glorified multisigs” is drawing to a close. The transition toward “cryptographic trust” signifies an evolving mentality within the Ethereum community, one that encourages the elimination of reliance on centralized entities. Buterin’s remarks reflect a growing consensus on the need for a secure and decentralized foundation in blockchain technology, particularly as the market matures.

Conclusion

Vitalik Buterin’s updated stance on layer 2 networks serves as a clarion call for developers and investors alike to prioritize decentralization in their projects. By setting a clear standard of “Stage 1 or bust,” he encourages innovation that aligns with the core ethos of blockchain technology. As the Ethereum ecosystem continues to evolve, areas of decentralization will likely remain a focal point, influencing the direction of upcoming projects and the broader landscape of cryptocurrency.