USD
Starknet Opens Vote on Independent Layer 1 Over Quantum Risks
STRK holders weigh whether post-quantum security should move beyond Ethereum’s upgrade timeline
TL;DR
- Starknet opened a non-binding vote on researching an independent, post-quantum Layer 1.
- The proposal targets Ethereum-linked infrastructure that remains outside Starknet’s direct control.
- A favorable vote would start further research and governance proposals, not authorize a network transition.
Trade smarter on Jupiter, Solana’s leading DEX built for fast execution and deep liquidity.
Swap tokens at competitive rates, route across multiple liquidity sources automatically, and access perpetuals, DCA, and advanced trading tools — all in one place!
Ethereum Layer 2 network Starknet has opened a seven-day, non-binding vote asking STRK holders whether it should research becoming an independent, post-quantum Layer 1. Voting closes on Oct. 22, and a favorable result would not approve a transition. Further proposals and governance votes would be required before such a move could happen.
The poll offers three choices: support further research, oppose the proposal or remain neutral pending more information. At the time tracked by the Snapshot poll, 177.6 million STRK had been cast and 99.91% backed a “Yes” outcome. StarkWare said a rejection would keep Starknet’s post-quantum work on its existing Layer 2 path.
Why Starknet is considering an independent Layer 1
StarkWare, Starknet’s developer, has tied the proposal to security dependencies that remain connected to Ethereum. Starknet already uses hash-based STARK proofs, while its accounts can adopt post-quantum signatures without requiring a protocol upgrade. Its bridge to Ethereum and data availability arrangements, however, still depend on Ethereum’s infrastructure and upgrade timeline.
StarkWare first raised the Layer 1 idea on Oct. 8, saying Starknet’s reliance on Ethereum leaves the network dependent on Ethereum becoming quantum-safe and AI-safe quickly enough. CEO Eli Ben-Sasson argued that blockchains need suitable cryptography, the ability to upgrade it and, for Starknet, a move to Layer 1 to prepare for those threats.
“Quantum-proofing crypto is urgent, so we must move at lightning speed,” Ben-Sasson told Cointelegraph, contrasting Starknet’s proposal with what he described as slower progress at Ethereum and Bitcoin. Ben-Sasson and Starknet separately framed the idea as a route toward becoming “the first fully quantum-resistant network” by 2027.
StarkWare said Starknet’s existing design gives it a head start but does not remove the Ethereum-linked dependencies. “No timeline for that exists yet, but Starknet starts further ahead than most chains,” StarkWare said, adding that “the parts of Starknet under Starknet’s control can be quantum-resistant soon.”
Quantum-security work was already underway
StarkWare laid out a three-phase quantum-resistance roadmap in June covering signature upgrades, smart-contract migration and Ethereum-dependent infrastructure. Ethereum developers separately established a dedicated post-quantum team in March, with an aim of introducing initial protocol-level protections by 2029.
The current governance vote therefore addresses whether Starknet should research removing some of the Ethereum dependency rather than waiting entirely on that infrastructure’s security timetable. A “Yes” result would lead to more detailed proposals and additional polls instead of automatically converting Starknet into an independent Layer 1.
The security push has also arrived alongside a privacy addition to Starknet. StarkWare introduced Shadow Accounts earlier this week, describing the STRK20 privacy primitive as using persistent pseudonymous identities for decentralized applications. The feature allows users to maintain positions without publicly linking their activity to their main wallets.
This article has been refined and enhanced by ChatGPT.
