Starknet opens vote on independent post-quantum Layer 1

Starknet opened a seven-day, non-binding poll on Oct. 15 asking STRK holders whether to research an independent post-quantum Layer 1, which could reduce the network’s dependence on Ethereum’s security upgrade schedule. The Starknet community forum proposal says the vote gauges interest in exploring the idea; it does not authorize a transition.

What would a “yes” vote set in motion?

A “yes” result would start research and lead to more detailed proposals and further polls, according to the proposal. A “no” would leave Starknet’s post-quantum work on its Layer 2 path; a “neutral” result would keep the discussion open until more answers are available.

The vote coverage by The Block reported that 177.6 million STRK had been cast, with 99.91% backing “yes” at the time of its report. That was a snapshot of voting at publication, not a final result.

Why is Starknet considering independence?

The proposal says parts of Starknet’s security depend on Ethereum’s timeline, including its bridge and data availability arrangements. It says an independent Layer 1 would remove that dependency, but gives no timeline for such a move.

Starknet already uses hash-based STARK proofs, and its accounts can adopt post-quantum signatures without a protocol upgrade, according to the proposal. The Ethereum-linked components remain outside Starknet’s direct control, leaving the network dependent on Ethereum’s upgrades for those parts.

When does the vote end, and what follows?

The poll runs for seven days from Oct. 15 and is scheduled to close Oct. 22, with results to be visible immediately afterward, the proposal says. If holders back further research, Starknet says more detailed proposals and polls will follow; any transition would require those later steps.

References

• Starknet community forum proposal — community.starknet.io
• vote coverage by The Block — theblock.co