A New Proposal: The Ethereum Supreme Court
In the world of blockchain, the idea that “code is law” has been widely accepted. However, Alex Gluchowski, CEO of Matter Labs, believes that there are certain situations where humans should have the final say. Gluchowski has proposed the creation of an “Ethereum Supreme Court” – a hierarchical system of on-chain courts that can arbitrate disputes that threaten the integrity of the Ethereum blockchain.
Currently, when apps on Ethereum are hacked, the only solution is typically a fork of the blockchain. This happened after the infamous DAO hack in 2016. However, forks are rare and come with their own set of challenges and philosophical concerns.
Gluchowski’s proposal aims to formalize the use of Ethereum’s social consensus layer to secure platforms like DeFi apps and layer-2 networks. Under this system, exploited platforms could present their case through a smart contract-based court system.
While Gluchowski’s idea has garnered some skepticism, it highlights the growing concern for security in the Ethereum ecosystem. As more value is stored in layer 2 apps, innovative solutions are needed to protect users and maintain the integrity of the network.
Hot Take
The proposal for an Ethereum Supreme Court raises important questions about the balance between code and human decision-making in the blockchain space. While it may provide a valuable mechanism for resolving disputes, it also places additional pressure on Ethereum’s community to monitor and respond to issues. Ultimately, the success of such a system will depend on its ability to protect protocols and maintain Ethereum’s status as a powerful network state.
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