Ethereum Foundation pivots away from Poseidon in post-quantum plan
Reported by Cointelegraph · AI-assisted summary by ChikoCorp AI News Desk
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Summary
The Ethereum Foundation is abandoning the Poseidon hash function in its post-quantum cryptography plans, opting instead for established functions like SHA or BLAKE. Researcher Justin Drake explained that advancements in SNARK technology now allow these conventional hash functions to perform efficiently enough for Ethereum’s future systems. The foundation aims for a production-ready leanVM in 2027, which would be followed by deployments across Ethereum’s layers in 2028.
Why it matters
This shift to established hash functions could enhance Ethereum’s security against quantum threats by relying on well-scrutinized cryptographic methods. The decision impacts Ethereum’s roadmap for upgrading consensus, data, and execution layers with post-quantum-resistant technologies. Faster, more secure proof systems contribute to the efficiency and robustness of Ethereum’s blockchain verification processes.
Key context
Poseidon was initially considered for post-quantum systems like leanVM, designed to verify large blockchain data volumes efficiently. SNARKs (Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge) provide compact proofs that confirm computations without redundant effort. Improvements in SNARK speeds have made conventional hash functions a viable alternative to newer designs like Poseidon. LeanVM and other post-quantum enhancements have not yet been deployed on Ethereum’s mainnet.
Key numbers and entities
Entities include the Ethereum Foundation, researcher Justin Drake, Eigen Labs CEO Sreeram Kannan, and zero-knowledge proof company Succinct. Key dates mentioned are 2027 for a production-ready leanVM and 2028 for broader deployments. It was noted that joint work increased proving speeds by 2.5 times.
What remains unclear
The timeline for leanVM and subsequent deployments remains preliminary, with no fixed dates provided. The source does not specify detailed technical evaluations comparing Poseidon to SHA or BLAKE beyond general SNARK efficiency improvements. No other limitations or uncertainties are explicitly flagged.