Vitalik Buterin Defends Base Network Against Centralization Critics

• Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin endorsed Coinbase’s Base layer-2 network and said it properly balances centralized features with decentralized security.
• Critics argue that Base could steal user funds through its centralized security council.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin publicly endorsed Coinbase’s Base layer-2 network on Tuesday. He praised the platform for balancing centralized features with decentralized security measures.

Buterin stated that Base is “doing things the right way” by leveraging centralized aspects to improve user experience. The network maintains security through Ethereum’s decentralized foundation layer.

The endorsement comes amid ongoing debates about layer-2 network security and decentralization. Base has faced criticism since its launch for being developed by the centralized exchange Coinbase.

Security Concerns and L2Beat Metrics

Buterin addressed widespread confusion about layer-2 security measurements. He defended L2Beat, a popular analytics platform that tracks security metrics across various layer-2 networks.

“The security that L2s provide, that L2Beat measures, reflects concrete properties that protect you as a user from being rugged,” Buterin explained. He dismissed claims that L2Beat functions as an arbitrary compliance authority.

Base is doing things the right way: an L2 on top of Ethereum, that uses its centralized features to provide stronger UX features, while still being tied into Ethereum's decentralized base layer for security.

Base does not have custody over your funds, they cannot steal funds or… https://t.co/0EMdThg4gU

— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) September 22, 2025

Critics have questioned the validity of L2Beat’s security assessments. Some argue the platform’s metrics don’t accurately represent real-world user risks.

CyberCapital founder Justin Bons challenged Buterin’s position on social media. He claimed Base could “instantly steal ALL user funds” through its security council’s administrative control.

Bons pointed to Base’s smart contract admin key as a potential vulnerability. The key is controlled by a security council rather than being fully decentralized.

Base Network Growth and Technical Foundation

Base launched in August 2023 using Optimism’s open-source OP Stack framework. The network processes transactions off Ethereum’s main chain before sending confirmations back to the layer-1 blockchain.

The platform currently holds approximately $15 billion in total value locked. This figure represents a slight decline from peak periods earlier in 2024.

Base reached its highest asset values in January and May 2024. The network briefly exceeded $16 billion in total locked assets during the summer months.

The network competes with established layer-2 solutions including Arbitrum and Optimism. These platforms offer similar scaling benefits for Ethereum users.

Base’s technical architecture enables faster and cheaper transactions compared to the Ethereum mainnet. Users benefit from reduced gas fees and quicker transaction confirmations.

Despite using open-source technology, Base faces scrutiny over its corporate backing. Coinbase’s involvement raises questions about the network’s long-term decentralization goals.

The ongoing discussion reflects broader questions about blockchain infrastructure evolution. Networks face pressure to scale quickly while maintaining security and decentralization properties.

Buterin’s endorsement carries significant weight within the Ethereum community. His support may influence developer adoption and user perception of Base’s legitimacy.

The layer-2 ecosystem continues expanding as Ethereum scaling demands increase. Base’s success or failure will likely influence future corporate blockchain initiatives.