Linea, a leading Layer 2 ZK Rollup supported by Consensys, has introduced an innovative proposal titled “Towards Linea’s Decentralization”. This roadmap outlines the necessary steps for decentralization, aiming to transition the zkEVM into a permissionless system.
The proposal, crafted by Florian Huc, Linea's software architect, presents a comprehensive framework for establishing decentralized governance. It focuses on modifying existing processes for block validation, block proposal, and finalization. The goal is to enable blocks to achieve finality at both Layer 2 and Layer 1 levels.
As part of the decentralization strategy, Linea contributors suggest replacing the current Layer 2 finality system with a proof-of-stake model for block validation. This would necessitate validators to stake tokens and actively participate in the QBFT consensus algorithm. The proposal emphasizes that validators engaging in misconduct will face slashing, including the burning of a portion of their stake.
Additionally, an on-chain auction system will be introduced to select block proposers. Any node can bid for this role, and the highest bidder will win the right to propose a block, with the bid amount being burned to decrease the total token supply.
To maintain functionality, a recovery mode will be implemented, allowing the system to operate even if the validator set becomes inactive for six months. In such instances, any node can initiate block finalization.
This proposal comes on the heels of Linea's decision to decentralize following a temporary halt in block production due to a security exploit on Velocore, a decentralized exchange within its network.
