Vitalik Buterin: Layer-2s Must Reach ‘Stage 1’ Decentralization to Earn My Support

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has emphasized that only Layer-2 projects achieving “stage 1” decentralization or higher will be recognized by him, starting in 2024.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has clarified his stance on the decentralization of Layer-2 scaling solutions, stating that only those reaching “stage 1” on his decentralization scale will receive his public acknowledgment going forward. In a September 12 post on X, Buterin reiterated that he will no longer recognize Layer-2 projects that fall short of this milestone.

Buterin takes this decentralization threshold seriously, remarking that starting next year, he will only reference Layer-2 networks that are at “stage 1 or beyond.” He also suggested that new, innovative projects may be granted a brief grace period, but ultimately, it’s “stage 1 or bust.”

His comments align with his broader vision for scaling Ethereum through Layer-2 solutions, particularly zero-knowledge (ZK) rollups. Buterin noted that many ZK rollup teams have assured him they are on track to reach “stage 1” by the end of this year, and he expressed excitement at the prospects for 2024.

Buterin’s “stage 1” designation represents the next step toward full decentralization, a concept he first introduced in 2022. It involves implementing fraud-proof or validity-proof mechanisms and an override system with strict conditions, including external oversight and a delay window for upgrades. Stage 0, in contrast, represents a more centralized system with multisignature wallets controlling the project, which Buterin now says is insufficient.

Looking ahead, Buterin envisions the eventual achievement of “stage 2” by Layer-2 projects, representing full decentralization with no centralized override capabilities—only a minimal security council for rare bug cases and a longer 30-day upgrade delay.

Several Layer-2 rollup teams, including those from Linea, ZKsync, Arbitrum, and Optimism, have indicated that achieving stage 2 decentralization could still take a few years, but the process has already begun.

Our creator. creates amazing NFT collections! 
Support the editors - Bitcoin_Man (ETH) / Bitcoin_Man (TON)

Pi Network (Guide)is a new digital currency developed by Stanford PhDs with over 55 million participants worldwide. To get your Pi, follow this link https://minepi.com/Tsybko and use my username (Tsybko) as the invite code.

Binance: Use this link to sign up and get $100 free and 10% off your first months Binance Futures fees (Terms and Conditions).

Bitget: Use this link Use the Rewards Center and win up to 5027 USDT!(Review)

Bybit: Use this link (all possible discounts on commissions and bonuses up to $30,030 included) If you register through the application, then at the time of registration simply enter in the reference: WB8XZ4 - (manual)