Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, has suggested that the Bitcoin network should adopt scaling solutions similar to those used by Ethereum in order to expand its functionality beyond being just a payment system. During a recent Twitter Space session led by Bitcoin developer Udi Wertheimer, Buterin emphasized the importance of scalable solutions like zero-knowledge rollups (ZK-rollups) for Bitcoin’s growth. ZK-rollups are off-chain protocols built on top of the Ethereum blockchain and regulated by its on-chain smart contracts. They enable faster and more scalable transaction verification while protecting user privacy.
Buterin highlighted how Ethereum has successfully implemented various scaling solutions, including Optimism and Arbitrum, and expressed that Bitcoin could learn from these examples. He emphasized the need for Bitcoin to adopt more scaling solutions if it wants to evolve beyond its current limitations. The scalability issue has long been a subject of debate between Bitcoin and Ethereum, with Ethereum exploring solutions like proof-of-stake and Layer 2 solutions such as ZK-rollups and Plasma.
In terms of Bitcoin’s scalability efforts, the Lightning Network has played a crucial role. Additionally, the recent introduction of Bitcoin Ordinals, a Layer 2 solution enabling decentralized digital art storage on the Bitcoin blockchain, has expanded the network’s functionality beyond payments. Buterin praised the emergence of Ordinals, noting its positive impact on the builder’s culture within the Bitcoin ecosystem. By the end of June, the trading volume for Bitcoin Ordinals inscriptions had exceeded $210 million, demonstrating its rapid popularity.
