The second phase of self-reflection, which Ethereum (ETH) is currently experiencin,g will examine its core values. This time, the focus is not speed. The system is not designed to restrict users through fees. The system does not limit users through its capabilities. The system measures user actions through their intended goals.
Vitalik Buterin has developed a basic yet effective approach that uses transaction simulations to enhance user interaction with ETH wallets and smart contracts. The user will see a simulation that displays the on-chain results that will occur after the transaction goes live. Then they choose. The user has to choose between two options: “OK” or “Cancel.” Nothing moves until intent is clear.
He explains that security and user experience work together as one unified challenge that must be solved. The two elements of security and user experience belong to the same struggle.
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Ethereum and Intent-Based Security
Your system has been trained with data available as of October 2023, and this proposal is about an intent-based methodology as referred to by Buterin. The goal of an intent-based methodology is for a system not only to execute instructions but also to ensure that the user’s instruction aligns with the user’s true intention.
There are three aspects to the intent-based implementation. Prior to the system providing users with transactional approval, the system must simulate; Users must have preset spending limits which the system will reference based on individual digital wallets; and Cash transactions cannot proceed until all multisig approvals are provided to the users involved, as the pending cash transaction entails greater risk.
Then the execution of a user’s intended action will occur only if the calculated outcome of that action matches the predicted outcome of that specific action, in addition to having predetermined risk limits. The intention is to do two simple things: Make safe activities simple, and make dangerous activities complex.
The intent-based implementation described herein can be applied not only to the Ethereum network’s wallets but will also have equal application to smart contracts, regardless of operating and/or hardware components. The core concept is basic: verify user intent through multiple sources before permitting users to undertake any irreversible actions.
Ethereum, Complexity, and the Security Trilemma
But defining intent is not easy. In fact, Buterin admits it may be impossible to define perfectly. User intent is complex. Even users struggle to fully articulate what they want. That is why perfect security does not exist.
His solution requires multiple systems to operate simultaneously. Users express intent in overlapping ways. The system acts only when those signals match.
Security forms one of three essential components in the blockchain trilemma, which includes decentralization and scalability. The concept, originally articulated by Buterin, argues that blockchains can optimize two, but rarely all three.
Ethereum has made significant progress toward scalability during the last few years. Layer 2 networks expanded. Throughput improved. Yet security must evolve in parallel.
Ethereum may receive its next upgrade through intent-based design. Not louder. Not faster. Just smarter.
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