Vitalik Buterin Fundamentally Questions Ethereum's Layer-2 Strategy

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has publicly criticized the rollup-centric scaling strategy pursued for years. The original role of Layer-2 networks "no longer makes sense," Buterin stated, triggering a fundamental debate about the network's identity.

At its core, Buterin argues that true Ethereum scaling means creating block space that is "secured by Ethereum's full credibility" – with guarantees for transaction validity, censorship resistance, and finality. Systems with multisig bridges or centralized sequencers do not meet these criteria.

As an alternative, Buterin proposes so-called "native rollup precompiles" – verification functions for zero-knowledge EVM proofs firmly anchored in the protocol. This would eliminate dependence on Security Councils. Combined with Based Rollups, fast transaction confirmations could be achieved with synchronous composability between Layer 1 and Layer 2.

This reassessment comes against the backdrop of significantly reduced fees on the mainnet and rising user activity – currently around 15 million active addresses. While approximately $32 billion is secured through Layer-2 networks, these must now define their added value beyond mere cost advantages. The strengthened mainnet role could be positive for Ether, while many L2 tokens face tests of their viability.