Ethereum weighs RISC-V layer amid censorship push

vitalik buterin has outlined a plan to make Ethereum more consistent with cypherpunk principles while avoiding unnecessary complexity. The stated aim is a “not ugly” path that could support future system-level language migration.

Two technical pillars dominate discussion: FOCIL (EIP-7805) for censorship resistance and exploration of a RISC-V execution layer for performance and language flexibility. The proposals are framed as gradual and pluggable, preserving today’s ecosystem.

What Vitalik’s cyberpunk Ethereum plan adds: FOCIL and RISC-V

As reported by post/390682/vitalik-buterin-is-building-a-cypherpunk-principled-non-ugly-ethereum-as-devs-officially-add-focil-to-upgrade-roadmap?utm_source=openai” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener”>The Block, FOCIL (Fork-Choice Enforced Inclusion Lists, EIP-7805) is being advanced on the roadmap to ensure valid transactions cannot be indefinitely excluded by block builders. The focus is on embedding inclusion guarantees into fork choice rather than relying on off-protocol workarounds.

In practice, FOCIL aims to constrain censorship by making the consensus layer aware of inclusion obligations. Validators would have protocol-backed recourse if certain transactions are persistently filtered, reinforcing Ethereum’s baseline neutrality.

according to ETHNews, the complementary track explores a RISC-V execution layer so contracts can compile to a well-specified, open ISA. Research claims this could deliver material zk proving gains, often cited in the 50–100× range for zkEVM-style workloads, while enabling broader language support.

Why it matters: neutrality, simplicity, zk performance

Forklog describes FOCIL as part of a broader anti-censorship posture, strengthening credible neutrality by reducing builder discretion over which valid transactions make it on-chain. Embedding inclusion at the fork-choice level targets the problem at its source.

Pursuing a smaller, cleaner base layer is consistent with the “non-ugly” goal. Minimizing protocol surface area and intermediated workarounds helps auditors, improves explainability, and may reduce long-run technical debt.

Before unveiling the plan, editorial context highlights the intent to privilege first principles over complexity. “Cypherpunk principled non-ugly Ethereum,” said Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum.

For developers, near-term change appears incremental. EVM contracts and tooling continue as-is while research into alternative execution backends proceeds behind the scenes and in test environments.

For validators, FOCIL would shift obligations around transaction inclusion. If enacted, it could narrow the gap between builder preferences and validator duties, altering the current MEV supply chain dynamics.

On governance, roadmap-level inclusion signals prioritization but not finality. Any activation would still require specification maturity, client implementation, testnets, and thorough reviews across the ethereum foundation and core development process.

Risks, migration path, and compatibility checkpoints

Coinpaper notes legal concerns: if inclusion is protocol-enforced, validators in sanction-heavy jurisdictions could face heightened exposure when they cannot filter specific transactions. The magnitude depends on local law and enforcement posture.

Backward compatibility for EVM contracts and tooling

Coindesk has reported that a RISC-V path could coexist with the EVM, with interpreters or multiple VM targets preserving today’s contracts. This approach aims to maintain Solidity tooling while opening optional new backends.

Transition complexity and audit requirements

Blockworks highlights significant transition risks: new gas metering models, opcode mappings, and syscalls must be specified and audited. Client diversity, consensus safety, and performance regressions would require extensive test coverage.

FAQ about FOCIL (EIP-7805)

How would a RISC-V execution layer differ from the EVM, and what are the performance implications for zkEVM?

RISC-V targets a general-purpose ISA, enabling multiple languages and simpler proving circuits. Research cited suggests large zk performance gains versus today’s EVM interpretation.

Could FOCIL increase legal or sanctions exposure for validators in the U.S. and other jurisdictions?

Potentially. If inclusion is enforced, validators may have reduced discretion to exclude sanctioned activity, raising jurisdiction-specific compliance and enforcement risks.