Vitalik Buterin Explains Why Ethereum Must Pass the “Walkaway Test”

• Passing the “walkaway test” is the basic requirement for Ethereum’s sustainability.
• Ethereum needs to function safely without interference from core developers.
• Ethereum’s primary function is to support applications that are more like tools.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has highlighted his expectation for the Ethereum blockchain as a protocol expected to be sustainable over a long period. In his latest post on X, Buterin noted Ethereum needs to pass the “walkaway test” to guarantee long-term sustainability.

A Technical Threshold for Self-Sustainability

In a lengthy post, Buterin explained how he expects Ethereum to function safely without interference in the form of major upgrades from core developers. According to him, achieving such a level is the technical threshold for the blockchain to become truly self-sustaining.

In the meantime, Buterin clarified that passing the walkaway test and becoming self-sustaining does not require Ethereum to stop evolving. He noted that the blockchain only needs to ossify if it chooses to. However, he reiterated that Ethereum is supposed to be home for trustless and trust-minimized applications, whether in finance, governance, or elsewhere.

Quantum Resistance is a Top Priority for Ethereum

Meanwhile, Buterin noted that one of Ethereum’s primary functions is to support applications that are more like tools. He further stated that quantum resistance is a top priority for the blockchain, arguing that the protocol should aim to be cryptographically safe for decades and does not have to wait for a crisis before effecting necessary changes.

Several community members on X supported Buterin’s stand on Ethereum’s sustainability and its ability to pass the walkaway test. One member stated that any protocol that cannot pass the walkaway test is just a subscription service with a token. He further stated that for a solution to die after its developers leave means the users never owned it, but only rented a permission.

Passing the “Walkaway Test” Needs to Extend to L2s

Another member in support of Buterin’s submission stated that passing the walkaway test does not stop at Ethereum or the apps built on it. According to him, the requirement should extend to cross-chain infrastructure connecting the L2s and mainnets. He expects the walkaway test for such protocols to ensure cryptographic message delivery, a permissionless escape hatch for users, and safety protocols that do not depend on coordination between chains.

What is Happening to ETH?

In the meantime, while Buiterin focuses on Ethereum’s technical functionality, the blockchain’s native token, ETH, continues in a sideways trend. The continued reduction in trading volume over the past few weeks is leading to the development of a symmetrical triangle formation, creating room for a potential breakout that could trigger the cryptocurrency’s next move. According to CoinMarketCap, ETH is trading at $3,123 at the time of writing.

Related: Vitalik Buterin Expresses Total Support For Tornado Cash Co-Founder Roman Storm