In a recent address, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin highlighted the importance of decentralization for the Ethereum network, asserting that decentralized applications (DApps) should be capable of operating independently of their creators and centralized infrastructure. This shift in focus is crucial to ensuring the network”s resilience against outages and failures.
Buterin noted that while Ethereum has made significant strides in 2025 in terms of scalability and reliability, the network must now prioritize its foundational mission as a decentralized “world computer.” He expressed concern that the current trend of chasing market fads, such as memecoins, detracts from Ethereum”s original purpose.
In his New Year”s message posted on X, Buterin pointed to the advancements made in the past year, which have improved the network”s capacity, reduced congestion, and facilitated easier access for users running Ethereum”s software. However, he emphasized that these technical achievements must serve the network”s ultimate goal of decentralization.
He introduced the concept of the “walkaway test,” suggesting that applications should continue functioning even if their developers step away. This principle extends beyond the blockchain to encompass the tools and applications that interact with Ethereum, many of which still rely on centralized services.
Buterin”s vision for Ethereum involves achieving a dual objective: operating at a global scale while maintaining true decentralization. He urged the community to enhance all components of the network, including infrastructure and user access tools. The Ethereum co-founder remains optimistic about the tools available to achieve these goals, reiterating the need for collective efforts to apply these advancements effectively.
As Ethereum navigates the challenges ahead, it is clear that the path forward lies in reinforcing its decentralization principles, ensuring that it can withstand disruptions and fulfill its potential as a robust platform for DApps.
