Ethereum Co-founder Vitalik Buterin Introduces New Roadmap to Improve the Security and Finality of Rollup Solutions

This proposal seeks to address current challenges related to achieving both high scalability and user trust within the broader Ethereum ecosystem.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has proposed a new roadmap for improving the security and finality of Layer 2 (L2) rollup solutions. This proposal is set to address the pressing challenges of achieving both high scalability and user trust in the broader Ethereum ecosystem.

At the heart of the plan is the use of a novel “2-of-3 proof system.” This approach would see three distinct types of transaction validation mechanisms being employed simultaneously.

These mechanisms would include zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs, standard optimistic proofs, and proofs generated within trusted execution environments (TEEs).

ZK proofs offer a cryptographic assurance of transaction validity without revealing the underlying data. In contrast, optimistic proofs begin by assuming the submitted L2 transactions are valid, with a challenge period allowing independent parties to intervene and dispute any fraudulent activity.

TEEs, on the other hand, would be deployed to execute code privately and safely, providing another avenue for transaction verification.

Within this multi-proof system, L2 transactions would only achieve finality on Ethereum when at least two out of these three different proof mechanisms agree on the outcome. This design reduces reliance on any single proof system’s security assumptions, theoretically boosting the overall rollup security guarantees for users.

What Defines Buterin’s ‘Stage 2’ Rollups?

Buterin's roadmap criteria for advancing to Stage 2 rollups. The goal is to achieve nearly instant transaction confirmations, high finality, and strong failure resistance, even in semi-trusted environments.

Per the proposal, Stage 2 rollups would still be subject to Ethereum's standard 30-day upgrade delay mechanism. This delay is crucial for maintaining network stability and security during major software transitions.

Additionally, the plan addresses Ethereum's scaling challenges head-on, with upgrades like Pectra and Fusaka being lined up to increase data availability. This could enable 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 becomes paramount for scalability and user confidence.

Buterin's proposed strategy would not only enhance security but also align with Ethereum's core principles of decentralization and trust minimization.

Furthermore, Buterin is urging a shift from public goods funding to open-source funding within the crypto community. He notes that the term "public good" is often subjective and prone to social biases, with emphasis going to perception rather than 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. This aligns with his broader vision for cryptocurrency in fostering positive change beyond financial gains.