Vitalik Buterin reveals a new Ethereum roadmap to boost Layer 2 security and finality
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Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, has unveiled a new roadmap aimed at enhancing the security and efficiency of Layer 2 (L2) solutions. This plan emphasizes scalability while maintaining Ethereum’s core principles of decentralization and trustlessness.
A significant aspect of the roadmap is the introduction of a “2-of-3” proof model. This model utilizes three types of provers: optimistic, zero-knowledge (ZK), and trusted execution environments (TEE).
A transaction is deemed final when any two of these systems agree, reducing the risk of bugs or vulnerabilities that could arise from relying on a single system. This approach balances performance, reliability, and decentralization.
Buterin highlighted the need for diversity among proof systems, particularly as ZK technologies advance. He noted that many ZK rollups share similar code, which can lead to widespread issues from a single bug. The multi-proof model aims to achieve finality almost as quickly as ZK proofs, which currently take under an hour, while minimizing the risk of significant bugs.
Additionally, the roadmap introduces “Stage 2 rollups,” an advanced rollup technology that promises near-instant confirmation and strong finality. These rollups are designed to provide robust protection, even in partially trusted environments, while adhering to Ethereum’s 30-day upgrade delay to ensure network stability.
On a cultural level, Buterin advocates for a shift in how development is funded within the crypto community. He argues that the term “public goods” has become overly politicized, often prioritizing popularity over genuine impact. Instead, he suggests a focus on “open-source funding,” which emphasizes transparency and real-world value.
Buterin believes that public goods funding can be swayed by social biases, rewarding those skilled in community optics rather than those creating meaningful improvements. By promoting open-source funding, the Ethereum community can better support projects that truly benefit the ecosystem.
These proposals aim to advance Ethereum both technically and culturally, ensuring faster, safer, and more reliable Layer 2 networks while fostering genuine innovation and progress within the community.
