‘We don’t friggin need more copypasta EVM chains’: Vitalik Buterin criticizes new Layer 1s, narrows the case for Layer 2s

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin strongly criticized the proliferation of generic, redundant EVM-based Layer 1 chains, calling them a "dead end" and stating the ecosystem does not need more of them. He urged developers to build specialized architectures that offer new technical value, such as privacy-focused protocols, app-specific efficiency, or ultra-low latency systems, rather than replicating Ethereum's execution environment.

Buterin clarified his support for two types of specialized chains: first, those that resolve markets on Layer 1 but use Layer 2 for execution and signature verification; and second, "institutional Layer 2s" used by entities like social media platforms to commit verifiable algorithmic proof of operations for transparency, even if they are not trustless like Ethereum. He also maintained that Layer 2s still have a role in providing extreme scaling for high-demand use cases like AI, provided they achieve at least Stage 1 decentralization to avoid being seen as mere "vampiric" Layer 1s with a bridge.

(Source：The Block)