'Stage 1 or bust': Vitalik Buterin says he’ll only discuss rollups with sufficient decentralization in Layer 2 talks

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin declared a new approach to how he will engage with Layer 2 rollups in his public communications, including blogs and talks.

Starting next year, to promote decentralization among Layer 2 rollups, Buterin said he plans to mention only Layer 2 solutions that are “stage 1+” in decentralization unless they are part of a short grace period allocated for particularly innovative new projects.

Buterin expressed his stance via X, stating that personal investments or friendships will not influence his decision to highlight certain Layer 2 technologies. “It doesn’t matter if I invested, or if you’re my friend; stage 1 or bust,” Buterin said.

According to Buterin, the criteria for “stage 1+” rollups require that a council reach a 75% consensus to override the proof system. No fewer than 26% of the council members must be independent of the roll-up team itself, emphasizing security and decentralization.

Buterin noted that this is a “very reasonable moderate milestone” and a necessary progression in the security of Layer 2 networks.

Most rollup-based Layer 2 blockchains on Ethereum have yet to decentralize their networks by reaching stage 1, attained by processes like incorporating fault proofs. The only exception is optimistic rollup Arbitrum.

Buterin added that several teams working on ZK rollups have informed him they are on track to achieve stage 1 status by the end of this year.

Buterin also highlighted the importance of moving away from “glorified multi sigs” — a term for more straightforward, less secure systems for Layer 2 rollups — towards a framework built on cryptographic trust.