Buterin Suggests Moving from Scaling to Optimizing Ethereum
Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, is proposing a shift in focus within the Ethereum network, moving away from scaling and towards optimization. He recently shared his insights on the potential increase in the gas limit and the cost of complex operations, such as storage, within the network. According to Buterin, there could be a fivefold increase in these aspects, impacting various operations within Ethereum.
Responding to a report by Tony Warshtatter, a member of the Ethereum Foundation, on the doubling of throughput due to the efforts of client teams and researchers, Buterin discussed the projected growth for 2026. He anticipates that while the growth will continue, it will be more targeted and less uniform. Specific areas that may be affected include operations related to creating new storage slots, precompiled contracts, calls to large contracts, certain complex arithmetic opcodes, and call data.
Currently, the average gas limit per block stands at around 60 million, and a potential increase by five times could bring it up to 300 million. In April, Ethereum researcher Dankrad Feist suggested a much higher limit of 3.6 billion. Buterin’s foresight into the future direction of the Ethereum network highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance its efficiency and functionality.
Beyond technical improvements, Buterin also made significant contributions to the development of decentralized messaging applications. He recently donated 256 ETH, equivalent to approximately $760,000, to Session and SimpleX Chat, two platforms focused on advancing digital privacy. While acknowledging the importance of encrypted messaging for safeguarding privacy, Buterin pointed out that these applications still have room for improvement in terms of usability and security.
The challenges faced by developers in the realm of decentralized messaging include supporting multiple devices, preventing Sybil and DoS attacks, and establishing a reliable identification system without relying on traditional mobile numbers. Buterin emphasized the need for continued progress in enabling permissionless account creation and enhancing metadata privacy within messaging apps.
Discussing the broader landscape of privacy in digital communications, Buterin expressed concerns about governmental overreach, citing the EU’s proposed “Chat Control” bill as an example. This legislation could compel popular messaging services like Telegram, WhatsApp, and Signal to grant authorities access to user communications, posing a threat to individuals’ privacy rights. Buterin has been a vocal advocate for preserving privacy in online interactions and has criticized features that compromise users’ confidentiality.
Overall, Buterin’s vision for Ethereum extends beyond technical enhancements to encompass broader societal implications, such as safeguarding privacy in the digital age. His advocacy for optimizing the network and supporting initiatives that prioritize user privacy reflects a commitment to advancing blockchain technology in a responsible and ethical manner.
