Vitalik Buterin, one of the co-founders of Ethereum, argued in his statements on the social media platform X on February 5 that the rapidly increasing Layer 2 (L2) projects today harm the long-term vision of Ethereum. According to Buterin, many new networks proceed by copying ready-made templates rather than producing technical innovation, limiting the development of the ecosystem. In his post addressing the US-based developer community, he specifically targeted EVM compatible chains created with the “copy-paste” logic. The famous developer emphasized that original architectures are needed instead of superficial solutions in order for Ethereum to achieve its scaling goals.
Criticisms of Copy L2 Models
In his post dated February 5, Vitalik Buterin stated that most of the new L2 networks are fueled by habit and comfort, not out of technical necessity. According to him, developers often prefer to launch chains based on the Ethereum Virtual Machine and add an “optimistic bridge” with a week delay. He noted that this approach is similar to the “Compound forking” trend that has become common in DAO management in the past.
Buterin stated that this method, which has been repeated for a long time, dulls creativity and limits the imagination of the industry. Arguing that networks superficially connected to Ethereum do not contribute to real scaling, the developer claimed that this trend has dragged the ecosystem into a dead end. He emphasized that projects that are associated with Ethereum only through brand value remain technically weak.
The co-founder took a harsher stance against EVM chains that do not even have an Ethereum bridge. Stating that such projects harm both the ecosystem and user trust, Buterin stated that there is no need for new first layer networks. Stating that the Ethereum main network will continue to expand the block space until 2026, Buterin reminded that the base layer is already on the way to scaling.
Emphasis on Real Connection and Security
Buterin’s latest statements were a continuation of his previous criticism that some L2 projects did not fully inherit Ethereum security. According to him, although many networks today present themselves as natural extensions of Ethereum, in practice they have weak ties to the main chain. The decrease in mainnet fees and the increase in gas limits have made it no longer necessary for L2s to operate as “branded shards”.
The famous developer argued that projects should ensure harmony between technical reality and the image they present to the public. Giving the message that “perception and content should coincide”, Buterin criticized initiatives that use the Ethereum connection only as a marketing tool. He stated that promotions without real integration undermine the reliability of the ecosystem.
Buterin also shared two basic models that he found reasonable. The first model involves applications such as prediction markets executing transactions via rollup, while account management and settlement are done on the mainnet. In the second model, institutional structures such as government registry systems publish cryptographic evidence on Ethereum for transparency. He emphasized that such systems, although not fully decentralized, should be openly located.
