Vitalik On Simplifying Ethereum L1
Simplifying the Ethereum protocol makes it easier to understand, reduces infrastructure costs, lowers the risk of critical bugs, and fosters broader participation.
Quick Take
Vitalik proposes simplifying Ethereum L1.
Unichain enables its TEE-based builder.
Google Wallet leverages ZKPs.
CCTP V2 goes live on Arbitrum.
Vitalik On Simplifying Ethereum L1
Vitalik Buterin published a blog post outlining a vision to simplify Ethereum’s Layer 1 to be as minimal and understandable as Bitcoin within the next five years. He argues that protocol simplicity brings significant long-term benefits: it makes Ethereum easier to understand, reduces infrastructure and maintenance costs, lowers the risk of critical bugs, and fosters broader participation. To simplify the consensus layer, Vitalik proposes replacing epochs with a streamlined 3-slot finality mechanism, reducing the number of active validators, using STARK-based aggregation, and reworking validator lifecycle mechanics. On the execution side, Vitalik suggests replacing the bloated EVM with a simpler and more efficient virtual machine like RISC-V or Cairo. Vitalik also recommends using a unified erasure code across various protocol layers, adopting SSZ as a common serialization format, and transitioning to a shared binary Merkle tree for both execution and consensus. Vitalik emphasizes that the changes may sacrifice short-term convenience, but they will result in a more resilient and secure Ethereum in the long run.
Unichain Enables TEE-Based Builder
Unichain enabled its Trusted Execution Environment (TEE)-based builder for block building and transaction ordering. The activation enhances transparency, MEV protection, revert protection, and provides users with encrypted mempools. Transaction ordering is based solely on priority fees and occurs within a verifiable TEE. The implementation is powered by Rollup-Boost, a verifiable block-building platform co-developed by Uniswap Labs and Flashbots. The milestone prepares Unichain for Flashblocks, which are 200ms sub-blocks that improve app latency and user experience, enabled via Rollup-Boost infrastructure.
Google Wallet Leverages ZKPs
Google Wallet is now leveraging Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) technology for privacy-preserving age verification. ZKPs allow users to prove they meet an age requirement without revealing full personal identity details. The ZKPs will power age checks across mobile devices, apps, and websites using Google’s Digital Credential API. The first implementation will be with Bumble, using Google Wallet digital IDs to verify identity and ZKPs for age verification. Future use cases include account recovery and accessing healthcare services.
CCTP V2 Goes Live On Arbitrum
CCTP V2, the latest version of Circle’s Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol, is now live on Arbitrum, enabling fast, secure, and capital-efficient USDC transfers using a burn-and-mint model, without relying on liquidity pools. The CCTP V2 upgrade introduces smart contract hooks for post-transfer actions. Arbitrum now joins Ethereum, Base, Avalanche, and Linea as supported CCTP V2 chains.
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Disclaimer: Content is for informational purposes only, not endorsement or investment advice. The accuracy of information is not guaranteed.
