Vitalik Buterin’s New Standards for Layer-2 Networks

Starting in 2025, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin will only endorse Layer-2 (L2) networks that meet "Stage 1+" standards, with a focus on stronger security and decentralization. These networks, like Optimism and Arbitrum, help scale Ethereum, but Buterin believes that current criteria have been too lenient. To qualify for his endorsement, L2 projects must have robust fraud-proof or validity-proof systems, ensuring accurate state root acceptance. Additionally, they must include decentralized governance with a security council in place to handle any critical system failures, enhancing the network's overall resilience.

Buterin is optimistic that several L2 networks will meet these heightened standards by the end of 2024, particularly Zero-Knowledge (ZK) rollup projects. While most of the Ethereum ecosystem will tighten support criteria for rollup projects, a short grace period may be given to promising new projects. However, only the most secure and decentralized networks will move forward in this stricter environment, marking a significant shift in the way Ethereum supports scaling solutions.