On February 5, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin took to social media platform X to sound the alarm over a growing cloning crisis among Layer 2 (L2) projects. He argued that a surge of new networks is undermining Ethereum’s long-term vision by copying existing templates rather than fostering genuine technical innovation, thus constraining the ecosystem’s evolution.
Sharp Criticism of EVM-Compatible 'Copy-Paste' Philosophy
Addressing a U.S.-based developer community, Buterin specifically targeted Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatible chains that operate on a “copy-paste” philosophy. He observed that many new L2 networks originate from routine and convenience rather than technical necessity. “Developers often create chains based on the EVM and release them by integrating a delayed 'optimistic bridge' – this resembles the 'Compound forking' trend previously popular in DAO governance,” he said. Buterin argued this repetitive method stifles creativity and limits the industry’s imagination.
He claimed that networks superficially connected to Ethereum do not offer genuine scaling contributions and are leading the ecosystem down a cul-de-sac. “Projects associated with Ethereum only through branding tend to be technically weak,” he emphasized. Buterin adopted a harsher stance against EVM chains without even an Ethereum bridge, stating such projects harm both the ecosystem and consumer confidence. He also reaffirmed that there is no need for new first-layer networks, noting the Ethereum mainnet will continue to expand block space until 2026 and the foundational layer is already progressing toward scalability.
Genuine Connection and Security: Marketing Alone Won't Work
Buterin’s latest remarks continue his earlier criticisms about some L2 projects failing to fully inherit Ethereum’s security. Despite many networks portraying themselves as natural extensions of Ethereum, he argued they are poorly connected to the main chain in practice. With lower mainnet fees and higher gas limits, “It is no longer necessary for L2s to function like 'branded shards',” he said. The co-founder urged projects to align their technical realities with the public image they present.
“Perception must match content,” Buterin stressed, criticizing ventures that use the Ethereum connection solely as a marketing tool. “Promoting without real integration undermines the credibility of the ecosystem.” He then laid out two fundamental models he finds reasonable. The first involves applications like prediction markets managing accounts and settling on the mainnet while processing transactions via rollup. The second covers institutional structures like state record systems publishing cryptographic proofs on Ethereum for transparency. Though not fully decentralized, such systems must be positioned openly, he insisted.