Vitalik Defends EIP-7805 to Protect Ethereum Neutrality
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has rebutted criticism of the EIP-7805 proposal—also known as FOCIL—which aims to reinforce Layer 1 decentralization by adding 16 extra validators per slot and preventing any single entity from controlling transaction ordering. Opponents, led by developer Amin Soleimani, warn that forcing the inclusion of sanctioned transactions could expose U.S. validators to legal liability. Buterin argues that making Ethereum a neutral “dumb pipe” is essential for its long-term health. He highlights FOCIL’s benefits, including stable mempool operation, distributed block building, and multiple transaction channels, and suggests further enhancements with EIP-7701 to eliminate central intermediaries. While critics say FOCIL’s anti-censorship stance risks legal fallout, Buterin maintains that preserving Ethereum’s neutrality will prevent validator oligopolies and safeguard network resilience.
Bullish
Buterin’s defense of EIP-7805 underscores a commitment to Ethereum’s neutrality and decentralization, which are key drivers of network security and long-term value. While legal concerns for U.S. validators may introduce short-term uncertainty, the proposal’s focus on preventing validator oligopolies echoes past upgrades—such as EIP-1559—that ultimately bolstered market confidence and on-chain activity. By reinforcing Layer 1 resilience and anti-censorship measures, EIP-7805 is likely to support bullish sentiment as traders recognize its potential to sustain Ethereum’s competitive edge and reduce centralization risks over time.