Vitalik Buterin Backs Layer 2 Projects Stage 1 and Up

- Vitalik Buterin Plans to Publicly Mention Only Layer-2 Projects Above 'Stage 1' - Decentralization Criteria for Layer-2: Requires Active Verification and Security Committees [Unblock Media] Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has stated that he will acknowledge only Layer-2 projects that have progressed beyond 'Stage 1' in their layer-2 decentralization efforts. In a post on September 12, vitalik buterin mentioned that starting next year, he plans to publicly speak only of ethereum Layer-2 networks that have reached 'Stage 1+'. Buterin explained the developmental stages of scaling solutions for ethereum projects, categorizing them as "Stage 0," "Stage 1," and "Stage 2." | Stage 0 | Control via simple multisig wallets, no need for fraud or verification proofs | Stage 1 | Requires active fraud and verification proof schemes, multisignature-based override mechanisms, security committees needed, includes 7-day delay window | Stage 2 | Code operates without bugs, limited use of security committees allowed, 30-day upgrade delay Stage 0 involves control via a simple multisig wallet, which does not require fraud or verification proofs. This stage uses rollup methods to bundle rollup transactions to the ethereum mainnet, thus offering some solutions for blockchain scalability and network congestion but with minimal decentralization. Stage 1, the minimum level of decentralization recognized by Buterin, necessitates active fraud and verification proof schemes. This stage requires mechanisms like multisignature-based override mechanisms or security committees and includes a 7-day delay window. At the final stage, 'Stage 2,' no group can override the code output when it operates without bugs. Limited use of security committees is allowed, and there is a 30-day delay for upgrade activation. Buterin expressed expectations that zero-knowledge rollup teams will reach 'Stage 1' by the end of the year. He added that the era of operating rollups with merely simple multisig setups is over, and a new era of cryptographic trust has begun. The role of cryptographic verification and security systems is emphasized to provide a more secure and reliable environment for Layer-2 solutions. Sticking to his stance of "meaningless unless Stage 1," Buterin shows that he expects genuine decentralization from Layer-2 projects. He mentioned that he might allow a short grace period for new and interesting projects. Buterin used the concept of 'training wheels' to describe the progression of Ethereum expansion rollup projects and made it clear that only projects above 'Stage 1' will be acknowledged publicly. This has become an important criterion for Layer-2 networks and zero-knowledge rollup teams.