Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin says the blockchain must make its protocol easier to understand if it is to reach its full potential for trustlessness.
True trustlessness means a blockchain enforces rules automatically through code, without requiring oversight from developers.
While Ethereum already operates trustlessly, transactions and smart contracts execute across a decentralized network of validators, Buterin notes that complexity can limit who truly understands the system.
“An important and underrated form of trustlessness is increasing the number of people who can actually understand the whole protocol from top to bottom,” Buterin wrote in a recent X post.
When asked about the tradeoff between features and comprehension, Buterin added, “We should be willing to have fewer features sometimes.”
Complexity keeps users on the sidelines
Industry observers have long pointed to technical jargon, complex wallets, and intricate storage requirements as barriers that discourage everyday users from engaging with Ethereum and other blockchains. Last year, crypto executives told media outlets that regulations and storage confusion were keeping many potential users on the sidelines.
Privacy-focused layer 2 project INTMAX, built on Ethereum, echoed Buterin’s point.
“If only five people can understand how your privacy protocol works, you haven’t achieved trustlessness, you’ve just changed who you trust,” the team said.
They argue that simple, auditable architectures are more reliable than complex “black box” designs.
“Ethereum needs to get better at this by making the protocol simpler.”
Ethereum’s roadmap for a more accessible network
Ethereum’s official roadmap acknowledges the challenge. It describes the network as still being “too complex for most people” and outlines plans to “drastically lower barriers to entry” to make the experience as seamless as traditional Web2 applications.
Planned upgrades include smart contract wallets, which simplify gas fee management and key handling, and easier node operation through mobile or browser-based apps.
The Ethereum Foundation is also funding educational programs and courses aimed at helping developers and users better understand blockchain technology.
The broader goal is to expand the community of people who can fully comprehend and audit the protocol, moving Ethereum closer to complete trustlessness.
Anastasiia G
Disclaimer: All materials on this site are for informational purposes only. None of the material should be interpreted as investment advice. Please note that despite the nature of much of the material created and hosted on this website, HODL FM is not a financial reference resource, and the opinions of authors and other contributors are their own and should not be taken as financial advice. If you require advice. HODL FM strongly recommends contacting a qualified industry professional.
