Ethereum Censorship: A Complex Picture
The world of Ethereum is a complex one, and one of the most hotly debated topics is the issue of censorship. While the blockchain is designed to be censorship-resistant, the reality is that some actors are choosing to comply with government regulations, leading to a situation where transactions can be blocked.
Censorship Numbers
Recent data suggests that censorship is still a significant issue on Ethereum. Here’s a breakdown:
- 35% of all Ethereum transactions are now censored, according to Ethereum researcher Justin Drake.
- The top builder on Ethereum, Beaverbuild, stopped censoring transactions on July 18th, but other builders continue to censor transactions.
- Validators are censoring a much lower percentage of transactions (11%) than builders.
- Relays are also censoring a significant portion of transactions (52%).
Who’s Censorship?
It’s important to understand who is responsible for this censorship.
- Block builders are responsible for creating new blocks on the Ethereum blockchain. They have the ability to choose which transactions are included in those blocks.
- Relays act as a bridge between block builders and the Ethereum network. They can choose whether to relay blocks with censored transactions.
- Validators are responsible for verifying transactions and adding them to the blockchain. They can choose to exclude transactions that are flagged as malicious by authorities.
The situation is complex, with different actors playing different roles in the censorship process. There is no easy answer to the question of how to balance the need for security with the principles of censorship resistance.
What Does It Mean for Ethereum?
The ongoing debate about censorship on Ethereum is a crucial one. It raises questions about the future of the blockchain and its ability to remain decentralized and open. While the situation is complex, it is clear that the issue of censorship needs to be addressed. The future of Ethereum depends on it.
