Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has proposed reducing withdrawal times for stage 1 optimistic rollups from the current seven days to just one or two days, aiming to significantly improve user experience and boost adoption of Ethereum's Layer 2 networks.
Stage 1 rollups, such as Optimism and Arbitrum, are considered sufficiently decentralized but have not yet achieved full trust minimization, making them candidates for this speed upgrade. Buterin argues that the lower risk profile of these rollups justifies the shorter withdrawal period, which still allows time for fraud proofs to be submitted if needed.
In contrast, stage 2 rollups, which meet all highest security and decentralization standards, would maintain the seven-day withdrawal window to ensure maximum protection. This layered approach lets users choose between faster access and enhanced security based on their needs.
The proposal addresses a key usability hurdle in Ethereum's scaling efforts, as long withdrawal times have frustrated traders and DeFi users. By cutting wait times, Buterin aims to make Layer 2 solutions more practical for daily use, potentially driving increased activity and liquidity across the ecosystem.
However, the change involves a trade-off, as shorter withdrawal periods might reduce the window for detecting invalid transactions. Buterin and Ethereum developers will need to carefully balance speed with safety to maintain trust in the network.
