Looking further ahead, Buterin described a stronger reliance on zero-knowledge proofs and expanded blob capacity. Blobs first helped layer-2 networks post data at a lower cost. In time, Ethereum could move its own transaction data into blobs.
That shift would change how validators confirm activity. Instead of re-running every transaction, validators could rely on cryptographic proofs. This approach would reduce computational load while preserving verification.
Buterin also addressed long-term cryptographic risks. Quantum computers capable of breaking current encryption remain years away. Still, the roadmap identifies four vulnerable areas: consensus BLS signatures, KZG-based data availability, ECDSA for wallets, and certain zero-knowledge proofs such as Groth16 and KZG.
Read More: Vitalik Buterin Says 2026 Will Restore ETH’s Trustless Foundations
The proposal would replace them with quantum-resistant tools. These include hash-based signatures, STARK-based proofs and aggregation, and native account abstraction. The goal centers on resilience against threats like Shor’s algorithm, which could expose private keys or disrupt consensus.
Even if quantum risks arrive sooner than expected, Buterin said Ethereum would continue operating. Finality guarantees might weaken temporarily, yet the chain would not halt. Hash-based and STARK systems would increase proof sizes and gas costs at first. Signatures could require around 200,000 gas compared to 3,000 for ECDSA. STARK proofs could reach 10 million gas without aggregation.
Can Ethereum expand capacity while safeguarding decentralization and future security at the same time?