Ethereum Developers Introduce ERC-7930, ERC-7828 for Enhanced Blockchain Interoperability

Ethereum developers are actively working on enhancing blockchain interoperability through the introduction of two new token standards: ERC-7930 and ERC-7828. These standards aim to address the current lack of uniformity in how wallets, decentralized applications (DApps), block explorers, and smart contracts interpret and display information across different blockchains. This inconsistency often results in a fragmented and confusing user experience, particularly when dealing with cross-chain transactions.

Wonderland, a group of developers, researchers, and data scientists focused on improving the Ethereum decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem, has been instrumental in this effort. The organization has partnered with several DeFi protocols, including Optimism, Aztec, Connext, and Yearn, to drive these improvements. In a recent post, Wonderland highlighted the need for standardized token formats to streamline cross-chain interactions and enhance user experience.

During a recent Ethereum Foundation interoperability working group call, Wonderland representatives discussed the development of ERC-7930 and ERC-7828. ERC-7930 defines a compact, binary format for interoperable addresses, making it machine-friendly and optimized for protocols that require a single representation for all blockchains. ERC-7828 builds on this by adding a human-readable layer, using formats like address@chain, to ensure clarity and simplicity for users. Together, these standards are designed to improve the overall experience of using Ethereum’s inter-blockchain ecosystem.

The proposed system would allow users to specify the target blockchain when sending a payment address, including both a human-readable address@chain format and a machine-readable format for application programming interfaces. This setup aims to prevent users from sending or receiving assets on the wrong blockchain, thereby reducing the risk of crypto losses. Currently, the same address can be used on multiple blockchains within the Ethereum ecosystem, leading to potential confusion and errors.

With the new standards, wallet operations can become blockchain-agnostic, and the address input into the user interface will determine which blockchain the transaction is directed toward. This change would reduce friction for users, who currently need to switch networks in wallet settings to move from one chain to another. The goal is to finalize both token standards within the next two weeks, with a call for feedback from the Ethereum community on the ETH-Magicians forum.