Starknet community votes 99.9% in favor of transitioning to an independent post-quantum Layer 1 network.
Regulation & Gov ·
Starknet's community has voted overwhelmingly in favor of exploring a transition to an independent post-quantum Layer 1 network, with 99.9% support expressed in a non-binding poll. StarkWare announced in early October that it was actively exploring this possibility, seeking to give Starknet greater control over its own security architecture while reducing dependency on Ethereum's timeline for quantum-resistant upgrades.
The rationale centers on security and decentralization. Starknet's core protocol already relies on hash-based STARK proofs and native account abstraction, both quantum-resistant by design, but components dependent on Ethereum—such as the bridge and data availability—remain exposed to quantum risk if Ethereum's upgrade timeline lags. An independent L1 would remove that external constraint. The STRK token will remain unchanged under either path, and Ethereum-to-Starknet bridges will stay operational. If the poll results affirmatively, a research phase will commence leading to detailed proposals; if negative, post-quantum work continues within the L2 framework.
Several technical questions remain unresolved. The discussion notes that Starknet's staking infrastructure is still in phase 2 of a four-phase rollout, with sequencing and proving concentrated in narrow roles and reorg and censorship resistance still ultimately anchored to Ethereum's security. Whether STRK holders' staking alone can replace Ethereum's security budget in an independent setting has not been determined.