Ethereum Creator Vitalik Buterin Explains ‘Stage 1+’ Layer-2 Networks
Ethereum’s co-founder Vitalik Buterin has outlined his plans to only publicly acknowledge “Stage 1+” layer-2 networks starting from 2025. With a significant following of 5.4 million on Twitter, Buterin’s influence in the crypto space is undeniable. However, he mentioned there might be exceptions for new and intriguing projects.
In a recent Twitter post, Buterin emphasized the importance of focusing on stage 1 layer-2 networks, regardless of personal investments or relationships. Ethereum itself operates as an “L1 blockchain,” with L2 networks serving as secondary layers built on top to enhance the main network’s efficiency and alleviate congestion. Notable L2 networks include Optimism, Arbitrum, and Polygon.
Buterin’s definition of a “Stage One” or “Stage 2” L2 network, posted in 2022, revolves around security considerations. He highlights the necessity for a fraud-proof or validity-proof mechanism in Stage One projects, along with a multisig-based override system for added security.
The crypto community has witnessed security challenges in Ethereum L2 networks in 2024. For instance, Linea, an Ethereum L2 network, faced an exploit resulting in the loss of $2.3 million worth of ETH from a decentralized exchange operating on its platform. Linea’s response was to freeze all transactions for damage control.
Despite these setbacks, Buterin remains optimistic about the progress of various projects towards achieving Stage One status. He expressed excitement about multiple ZK-rollup teams aiming to reach stage 1 by the end of the year.
In his efforts to elevate ecosystem standards, Buterin advocates for a more discerning approach to project support. He believes that projects should only be recognized as rollups once they have achieved at least stage 1 status.
As Buterin continues to push for higher standards within the ecosystem, his emphasis on security and progress towards more robust L2 networks remains a focal point for the future of Ethereum and the broader crypto space.
