Ethereum Co-Founder Buterin Advocates for Simplified Protocol to Enhance Scalability and Security

Vitalik Buterin, the cofounder of Ethereum, recently reignited discussions about the network's future by advocating for a simplified base layer, known as Ethereum L1. In a post, Buterin argued that reducing the complexity of the protocol would enhance resilience and scalability. He suggested that a less complex protocol would lower systemic risks and improve clarity by modeling the network after Bitcoin’s straightforward design. This approach, he believes, would make Ethereum more robust, fostering a more accessible and secure platform with clearer governance structures.

Buterin highlighted that simplifying the protocol involves ensuring that sub-protocols are shared as much as possible. He identified specific areas such as erasure coding, serialization, and tree data structures as potential targets for unification. By having a single method for similar tasks across consensus, execution, and other layers, redundant code can be cut, reducing complexity and strengthening security. Simplified codepaths would improve auditability and clarity for all stakeholders, fostering trust and efficiency.

Buterin acknowledged that pursuing simplicity requires upfront investment and short-term costs for future benefits. He compared Ethereum to Bitcoin’s minimalist design, noting that Bitcoin’s clarity allows developers of all skill levels to understand and improve the protocol. In contrast, Ethereum’s growing complexity narrows its developer base. Streamlining key elements could democratize contributions and reduce costly mistakes. Lower complexity also cuts development expenses and risk, enabling sustainable growth without sacrificing innovation. This approach makes maintenance and auditing easier.

A key aspect of Buterin’s plan addresses the consensus layer, historically known as the beam chain. He proposed a three-slot finality mechanism that removes committee shuffling and sync committees. This simpler design requires under 200 lines of code, minimizing complex interactions and potential vulnerabilities. By cutting these moving parts, network operations become more transparent, leveraging ten years of cryptographic and staking research. This change could lower the barrier for implementing and auditing consensus rules.

Simplifying consensus also affects validator processes. Reducing active validator counts can streamline fork choice rules. Integrating STARK-based aggregation protocols may remove reliance on centralized aggregators and cut bandwidth costs. Centralizing such complexity within proofs reduces systemic risk. Simplified validator lifecycles for joining, exiting, and key transitions enhance transparency. These changes bundle complexity into leaner components and spread less risk across the network. A clearer validator model makes auditing easier and boosts confidence in protocol security.

The execution layer poses the biggest challenge. The current Ethereum Virtual Machine has grown overly complex, with many features like the SELFDESTRUCT opcode and certain precompiled contracts seeing little use. Buterin admits that some components became over-engineered and hard to maintain. He proposed a bold alternative: replacing the EVM with a simpler, more efficient virtual machine. Such a shift could remove legacy code issues, improving performance and lowering development friction. It would offer a fresh foundation for smart contract execution.

Looking forward, Buterin explored new VM alternatives like RISC-V and Cairo to replace the EVM. He recommended interim EVM upgrades such as higher code size limits and advanced opcodes. He stated that protocol simplicity must become an Ethereum core value. The cofounder of Ethereum conceded that past features multiplied complexity and views this as a chance to streamline design. Simplification reorganizes functionality for transparency, rather than removing it. If achieved, the network may match Bitcoin’s conceptual clarity while preserving Ethereum’s unique capabilities.