Buterin: "Copy-and-paste L2 is poisonous to Ethereum scalability."
Vitalik Buterin has warned that Ethereum's long-term expansion strategy is under threat. He says copy-pasted Layer 2 (L2) projects and chains that emphasize Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility are holding back the ecosystem without contributing significantly to it.
On the 5th (local time), Buterin posted on X (formerly Twitter), “There are a lot of layer 2 projects that are built on ‘familiarity and comfort’ without any new technical attempts,” and pointed out that “this is a habit we have been repeating for a long time, and it is draining imagination and blocking the path of development.”
"Building a bridge to the copy-paste chain doesn't make Ethereum."
Buterin recently criticized many emerging L2 projects for simply creating another EVM chain and then "adding an optimistic bridge with a one-week delay." He pointed out that this is similar to the predictable nature of DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) governance, which once forked Compound.
He was particularly critical, saying, “Projects that create EVM chains but operate independently without a bridge to Ethereum are worse,” and “copy-paste chains that are unnecessary to Ethereum should stop coming out now.”
Buterin emphasized that the Ethereum mainnet is currently self-expanding and that the EVM block space can continue to increase gradually until 2026. However, he added that some fields, such as artificial intelligence (AI), that require low latency or special execution environments require a separate structure. Even in these cases, he argued, a "new architecture" rather than a simple copy should be considered.
"We must build on technology, not marketing image."
This statement is an extension of Buterin's ongoing criticism. He has pointed out that most L2s currently lack sufficient security synergy with Ethereum's core value and are confined to the role of mere "brand shards."
He added, “With mainnet fees decreasing and gas limits increasing, there is no need for every app to have its own L2,” and “Projects that rely on image marketing alone without any technical substance to assert their presence do not align with the Ethereum philosophy.”
Buterin cited two models he believes are currently valid. The first is the "application chain," a structure similar to a prediction market, where account management and settlement are performed on the mainnet and run on a separate rollup. The second is "institutional L2," where governments or corporations publish data on the blockchain but sacrifice decentralization and trustless (or credibly neutral) integrity.
He emphasized, “In the former case, it is sufficient to call it an Ethereum application, but in the latter case, it cannot be called Ethereum, and frankly, it should be called that.”
Stagnant Expansion Discourse Needs a New Path
Buterin's latest remarks reignite the debate over the meaning of "scaling" within the Ethereum ecosystem. He argues that mere EVM compatibility and optimistic bridges can no longer be considered meaningful expansion. This is a warning that it's time to revisit technical imagination, philosophy, and the true identity of Ethereum.
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🔎 Market Interpretation
Vitalik Buterin recently diagnosed that the indiscriminate mass production of "copy-and-paste L2" projects is actually hindering the Ethereum ecosystem. He pointed out that simply emphasizing EVM compatibility and optimistic bridge implementations alone are unlikely to produce tangible expansion effects, and concerns are raised about the negative impact on Ethereum's identity and technological innovation.
💡 Strategy Points
- L2 developers should focus on differentiating the underlying technology beyond simply copying the EVM.
- A structural design is needed that supports mainnet expansion while maintaining Ethereum's security and philosophy.
- Consideration should be given to introducing customized innovation structures for each field, including AI and specialized execution environments.
📘 Glossary
- L2 (Layer 2): A secondary chain technology that runs on top of Ethereum's main blockchain to increase scalability and speed.
- EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine): A virtual environment for executing smart contracts.
- Optimistic Bridge: A connection method that sets a certain waiting time for connection between separate chains.
- Application Chain: A blockchain designed exclusively for a specific function or app, usually connected to the main chain.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q.
Why is simple copy-paste L2 bad for Ethereum?
Vitalik Buterin believes that L2s, which simply repeat familiar structures without technological innovation, are hindering Ethereum's long-term vision. He points out that they rely solely on brand image rather than practical connectivity, stagnating discussions about ecosystem expansion and creating an environment that stifles new attempts.
Q.
What are some examples of positive L2 models that Buterin mentioned?
Buterin cited two valid models. The first is an appchain model, such as a prediction market, where accounts are managed on the mainnet and execution values are processed in a separate rollup. The second is an institutional L2 model, where institutions publish data without decentralization but utilize the Ethereum mainnet. He stated that this could be called an Ethereum application.
Q.
What L2 projects should developers and investors be paying attention to going forward?
Based on Buterin's remarks, it's advisable to focus on projects with innovative architectures, such as L2, that have a substantial connection structure to the mainnet, or projects specializing in specific problems (e.g., AI data processing). Projects that pursue a development path based on security, reliability, and imagination, rather than replicating chains that simply launch quickly and emphasize marketing, are expected to be highly regarded in the long term.
TP AI Precautions
This article was summarized using a TokenPost.ai-based language model. Key points in the text may be omitted or inaccurate.
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