Vitalik Buterin calls for simpler Ethereum to boost network reliability
Ethereum’s long-term strength may depend on more than scaling and security. According to co-founder Vitalik Buterin, real trust in the network also requires a broader understanding of how it works. He argues that simplifying the Ethereum protocol is essential. Without it, users must rely on a small group of experts rather than verifying the system themselves.
In short
- Buterin says Ethereum’s lack of trust suffers when only a small group understands the protocol, forcing users to depend on developers.
- Developers and users cite jargon, wallet complexity, and node barriers as key reasons why regular users shy away from using Ethereum more deeply.
- Ethereum’s plan focuses on simpler wallets, lighter nodes, and better education to bring network usage closer to classic Web2 applications.
- PeerDAS and the growing demand for rollups show that Ethereum needs to balance the needs of scaling with systems that users can still clearly understand.
According to Buterin, overly complex protocols weaken the lack of trust
In a recent post on X, Buterin said that Ethereum already powers transactions and smart contracts through open-source code and a decentralized set of validators. This structure, he noted, theoretically promotes decentralization. But the real lack of trust goes further than that. When only a small group of developers can understand or maintain blockchain, ordinary users are forced to depend on them.
Buterin also argued that an often-overlooked aspect of untrustworthiness is expanding the number of people who can follow a protocol end-to-end. A clearer system would allow for more independent verification and reduce dependency on core developers. Trade-offs are inevitable, he added, and Ethereum should sometimes accept fewer features when complexity becomes an obstacle.
These concerns extend beyond Ethereum. Across the crypto industry, many projects struggle to attract mainstream users due to obscure storage practices, confusing interfaces, and dense technical language. Industry leaders have warned that these barriers prevent even tech-savvy users from engaging with blockchain products.
Node barriers and complex wallets are holding back Ethereum, developers say
Privacy-focused projects have raised similar concerns, especially regarding auditability. INTMAX, the privacy layer built on top of Ethereum, argued that the lack of trust weakens when only a few experts can review the system. According to the team, simple, audited designs inspire more confidence than those built on components that are difficult to verify.
Developers and users often point to the same friction points:
- Limited understanding of how protocols work behind the scenes.
- Technical jargon that discourages new users.
- High barriers to node operation or data validation.
- A wallet configuration requiring comprehensive key management.
- Increasing reliance on specialists to interpret network changes.
Ethereum’s own roadmap reflects these challenges. The project leaders acknowledge that using Ethereum is still difficult for most people and say that lowering the barriers to entry is the main goal. Current plans aim to make interactions with the network more like traditional Web2 applications.
Rise of rollups highlights Ethereum’s scalability and usability issues
Several improvements aim to improve the experience of participants in the Ethereum ecosystem. Smart contract wallets are designed to hide complex elements such as gas fees and renewal processes. Other efforts are focused on making nodes work on lightweight devices, including phones and browser-based tools. Education is also a priority, with the Ethereum Foundation supporting courses and training programs for developers and users.
Aside from usability concerns, Buterin also emphasized that scalability is the main goal. It recently identified Peer Data Availability Sampling (PeerDAS) as a key step to meet growing demand. With PeerDAS, nodes can confirm blocks without storing all the underlying data, instead relying on erasure coding. This reduces hardware requirements while maintaining security.
Recent network data shows that Ethereum has reached six blobs per block for the first time, signaling an increased use of rollups. This milestone reflects increasing pressure on the network and reinforces the need for designs that balance scale, security and transparency.
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James Godstime is a crypto journalist and market analyst with over three years of experience in crypto, Web3 and finance. Simplifies complex and technical ideas to engage the reader. Outside of work, he likes football and tennis, which he is passionate about.
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The comments and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and should not be considered investment advice. Before making any investment decision, do your own research.