A seven-day vote has begun on Starknet to explore the option of establishing an independent network from Ethereum in an effort to increase control over quantum security.
According to The Block, STRK holders are voting on whether to examine in greater detail the possibility of becoming an independent main blockchain, or Layer 1. The vote began on October 15. If the proposal passes, the network will not transition directly; instead, detailed proposals and new votes will be prepared.
StarkWare raised the idea of an independent network on October 8. The vote now underway turns this possibility into a concrete governance step for the community to consider.
Why is dependence on Ethereum being debated?
Starknet currently operates as a Layer 2, or second-layer network, built on Ethereum. According to StarkWare, although some components of the network can be prepared for post-quantum security, the schedule for updating Ethereum-linked components is not directly under Starknet’s control.
The proposal particularly highlights the bridge that enables the transfer of assets with Ethereum and the structure that keeps the data required to verify transactions accessible. Because these components depend on Ethereum’s infrastructure, the security transition also depends on the main network’s schedule.
StarkWare wants to explore whether an independent network option would provide greater control in these areas. The company’s approach aims to prepare for the threats quantum computers could pose to current cryptographic methods.
Nearly all votes are in favor
According to the Snapshot tally cited in the source report, 177.6 million STRK had participated in the vote, and 99.9 percent of the votes cast were “yes”. Since the vote has not yet concluded, this percentage does not represent the final result.
Starknet already uses hash-based STARK proofs. Accounts on the network can also switch to post-quantum signatures without requiring a protocol upgrade. StarkWare says, however, that Ethereum-linked components remain a separate issue.
If the proposal passes, the team will submit more detailed proposals for the independent network option. If the result is “no,” post-quantum security work will continue through the current Layer 2 structure.
Not investment advice.