Starknet weighs L1 move to target quantum resistance

Starknet users have no new wallet, bridge or fee step to take yet: the Ethereum layer 2 says it is only considering becoming a standalone layer 1 to control its path to quantum resistance. In an Oct. 8 post, the network set 2027 as its target to become the first fully quantum-resistant network, according to Decrypt’s report. STRK traded near $0.073 on Oct. 9, up about 20% in 24 hours, but that market move does not mark a protocol change.

The decision matters because moving up a layer would give Starknet control over security upgrades while making it responsible for securing its own base chain.

What changes for Starknet users now?

Nothing in the network’s announcement requires users to move funds or change how they connect. Starknet remains an Ethereum layer 2, which batches transactions and relies on Ethereum for settlement and security; a layer 1 validates and secures its own transactions. No migration steps, new wallet requirements or fee changes were announced, so users should treat the idea as under consideration rather than an upgrade to prepare for.

Why is Starknet weighing an L1 move?

StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson raised the option on Oct. 8, pointing to quantum computing and advances in AI as reasons chains should prepare for changes to cryptography. Decrypt reported that Starknet’s STARK proofs use hash functions considered resistant to quantum attacks, but the network still has elliptic-curve components it plans to replace. Ben-Sasson’s argument is that an L1 could let Starknet make those security changes on its own timetable instead of waiting on Ethereum.

Has Starknet committed to leaving Ethereum?

No: the network said it is “actively considering” the move, and its 2027 date is a target for quantum resistance, not a confirmed launch date for an independent chain. Unchained’s report says protocol changes require governance approval, and no decision date or formal proposal was announced. Its coverage of StarkWare’s existing post-quantum roadmap says the plan still includes changes to Starknet’s cryptography and Ethereum-dependent parts such as bridge messaging and blob data availability.

That leaves two separate questions for users to watch: whether Starknet files a governance proposal, and how it would handle the bridge and data now tied to Ethereum if the network became an L1. Those details could affect where transaction security comes from and how assets move, but neither has been specified. Until then, the announcement signals a possible change in who controls upgrades, not a new way to transact on Starknet.

Source material

• Decrypt’s report — decrypt.co
• Unchained’s report — unchainedcrypto.com