Starknet, Ethereum’s layer-2 scaling network, has recently announced its plans to enhance the decentralization of three key components in its zero-knowledge (ZK) proof rollup solution. In a conversation with Cointelegraph, Starknet’s product manager and blockchain researcher, Ilia Volokh, delved into the company’s strategies to address centralized elements in its protocol, with the aim of bolstering resistance to censorship and enhancing the overall robustness of its system.
Starknet functions as a validity rollup using ZK-proof technology to aggregate transactions. Cryptographic proofs are then submitted to the Ethereum blockchain to ensure the security and finality of layer-2 transactions. Volokh highlighted that the protocol’s reliance on StarkWare for tasks such as creating L2 blocks, computing proofs, and initiating layer-1 state updates to Ethereum highlights a degree of centralization in the network’s operations. Although this centralized operation is currently a temporary state, Volokh emphasized that it is not inherently detrimental. Despite Starkware’s role as a centralized gateway to Starknet, the protocol is built to be “100% honest” and unable to manipulate transactions or information, as the Ethereum layer-1 blockchain acts as a natural filter.
However, concerns around potential misbehavior by Starknet were raised, with the potential for the platform to either be idle and not relay proofs to Ethereum, or specifically censor certain parties from including transactions or proofs. Volokh noted that combating these concerns forms the basis for the company’s efforts to decentralize parts of its protocol, as a means to address intentional censorship and non-robust systems that have single points of failure.
Decentralizing these components involves various degrees of complexity, including decentralizing block production, the proving layer, and the L1 state update process. Volokh stressed the importance of decentralizing each element, highlighting that maintaining centralization in even one area would invalidate the effort to achieve decentralization.
The process of decentralizing block production has been relatively straightforward, as it aligns with the consensus protocol and sybil-resistance mechanisms inherent to all blockchains. On the other hand, decentralizing the proving layer has required a more innovative approach, with Starknet being one of the first rollup solutions to present a concrete solution to this challenge. Volokh also pointed out that competing ZK-rollups often rely on central entities to create and prove blocks, making them equally centralized in nature.
Regarding concerns about the philosophical implications of centralized components in layer-2 solutions, Volokh emphasized that the pursuit of decentralization is rooted in a commitment to security. Starknet’s efforts to decentralize these components are still in progress, with plans to conduct tests and implement decentralized mechanics using interconnected testnets to assess the simultaneous functionality of different components.
As Starknet continues to refine its decentralized protocol, it presents a promising direction for Ethereum’s layer-2 scaling network, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing centralization concerns and reinforcing its commitment to robustness and resilience in the face of potential censorship threats. Through these strategic initiatives, Starknet is positioned to further align with the core values of decentralization, security, and enhanced network integrity.
