Thomas Daniels
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has stressed that rollup-based Layer-2 platforms must demonstrate mature and reliable proof systems before transitioning to full decentralization. According to Buterin, decentralization should occur only when the probability of failure in the cryptographic proof mechanism becomes lower than the systemic risks associated with centralized control.
This perspective was shared in response to growing discussions around the timing of decentralization among Layer-2 solutions. Loopring founder Daniel Wang had recently advocated for a “BattleTested” certification for rollups that can securely manage at least $100 million in assets over a sustained period. The label would be revoked with each code update, emphasizing the dynamic and ongoing nature of real-world testing.
Buterin acknowledged the merit in such metrics but emphasized that true decentralization requires more than a track record; it demands resilient, trustless infrastructure capable of withstanding sustained economic pressure and adversarial threats, including those backed by nation-states.
Experts across the blockchain space support this caution. Dominick John, an analyst at Kronos Research, highlighted that correlated risks—such as shared custody vulnerabilities or geopolitical chokepoints—can compromise even advanced multisig setups, particularly once asset values exceed $100 million. Similarly, Mike Tiutin, CTO at PureFi, warned that premature decentralization could expose users to critical vulnerabilities.
While decentralization remains a long-term objective, it is not a milestone to be rushed. Arthur Breitman, co-founder of Tezos, underscored that some prominent Ethereum Layer-2 platforms retain custodial characteristics. He noted that privileged entities often maintain control over core logic, leaving user assets exposed to systemic failures and collusion risks.
Buterin’s remarks reaffirm a growing consensus: decentralization is not merely ideological. It is a strategic and technical threshold that must be approached with rigorous scrutiny and proven security.
