- Buterin proposes new Ethereum L2 roadmap targeting security & finality
- Suggests 2-of-3 proof system using ZK proofs, Optimistic proofs, and TEEs
- Also advocates shift to ‘open source funding’ focus over ‘public goods’ model
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has introduced a new roadmap intended to improve the security and finality of Ethereum’s Layer 2 (L2) rollup solutions. This proposal seeks to address current challenges related to achieving both high scalability and user trust within the broader Ethereum ecosystem.
The core plan centers on using a novel “2-of-3 proof system.” This approach combines three distinct types of transaction validation mechanisms simultaneously.
These mechanisms would include zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs, standard optimistic proofs, and proofs generated within trusted execution environments (TEEs).
ZK proofs provide a cryptographic assurance of transaction validity without revealing underlying data. Optimistic proofs, conversely, assume submitted L2 transactions are valid by default but incorporate a challenge period allowing independent verifiers to dispute potentially fraudulent activities.
TEEs utilize specialized secure hardware enclaves to execute code privately and safely, offering another form of verification.
Within this proposed multi-proof system, L2 transactions would achieve finality on Ethereum only when at least two of these three different proof mechanisms concur on the outcome. This design reduces reliance on any single proof system’s security assumptions and theoretically enhances overall rollup security guarantees for users.
Related: Vitalik Buterin: Fund “Valuable” Open Source Projects, Not Just “Public Goods”
What Defines Buterin’s ‘Stage 2’ Rollups?
Buterin’s roadmap outlines criteria for advancing to Stage 2 rollups, where the goal is to provide near-instant transaction confirmations, high finality, and strong failure resistance, even in semi-trusted environments.
Per the proposal, Stage 2 rollups would still adhere to Ethereum’s standard 30-day upgrade delay mechanism. This delay helps maintain overall network stability and security during major software transitions.
In addition, the plan addresses Ethereum’s scaling challenges, with upgrades like Pectra and Fusaka set to increase data availability, potentially enabling rollups to handle up to 72 blobs for faster, cheaper transactions.
What Are the Broader Implications?
As Ethereum’s L2 solutions mature, achieving faster finality and increased trust is of utmost importance for scalability and user confidence. As such, Buterin’s proposed strategy would increase security but also align with Ethereum’s commitment to decentralization and trust minimization.
Furthermore, Buterin advocates for a shift from public goods funding to open-source funding within the crypto community. He argues that the term ‘public good’ is susceptible to social biases, often prioritizing perception over actual impact. Buterin believes that by focusing on open-source funding, the emphasis shifts to transparency and supporting projects that deliver tangible benefits to the ecosystem.
Related: Vitalik Buterin’s Six-Month Roadmap for Ethereum: Faster, Fairer, and With AI
All things considered, this could be great news for Ethereum as its infrastructure would be strengthened and the transaction efficiency would get a boost. Also, if this turns out to be a big success, it will likely promote sustainable development practices within the blockchain community.
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