Buterin unveils Ethereum privacy roadmap with EIP-7702 technical upgrade
Proposal 7702 is part of the broader Pectra update
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has unveiled a new roadmap aimed at enhancing user privacy on the Ethereum blockchain.
The proposal on the Ethereum Magicians forum introduces practical, incremental improvements designed to make private transactions and anonymous on-chain interactions more accessible for everyday users, without necessitating major changes to Ethereum’s core consensus protocol.
Key takeaways
- Privacy Integration: Buterin advocates for integrating privacy tools directly into wallets.
- EIP-7702 Proposal: The roadmap includes the EIP-7702 proposal, which allows Externally Owned Accounts (EOAs) to temporarily function as smart contracts during transactions, enhancing flexibility and security.
- Addressing Security Concerns: In response to critiques regarding the EIP-7702 upgrade, Buterin advises delegating only to audited contracts to mitigate potential security risks.
Enhancing privacy on Ethereum
Vitalik Buterin has introduced a new plan to enhance user privacy on Ethereum through incremental upgrades, avoiding major changes to the network’s core structure.
Buterin recommends integrating simple tools into wallets to increase transaction privacy without requiring users to switch to separate wallets.
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The roadmap outlines four key areas for privacy enhancement: on-chain payment privacy, partial anonymization of in-app activity, privacy of on-chain reads, and network-level anonymity. By integrating privacy tools into wallets, users can maintain private transactions through features like default “shielded balances,” eliminating the need for separate privacy-focused wallets.
EIP-7702: A step towards enhanced security
The EIP-7702 proposal introduces a new transaction type that allows EOAs to temporarily adopt smart contract functionalities during transactions. This enhancement aims to provide improved usability and security, addressing common issues like transaction batching and sponsorship. By enabling EOAs to function as smart contracts temporarily, users can benefit from increased flexibility and security in their transactions.
Proposal 7702 to improve Ethereum is part of the broader Pectra update. Developers expect that the value of Ethereum could rise after the update. ETH is currently priced at $1,566.
Ethereum price dynamics (April 2025). Source: Tradingview
Addressing security concerns
Following critiques of the EIP-7702 upgrade, Buterin emphasizes the importance of delegating only to audited contracts to prevent potential security exploits. He advises that users should delegate exactly one contract that has been thoroughly reviewed by the wallet team and the Ethereum community, ensuring that the remaining logic is implemented safely.
Buterin's roadmap signifies a proactive approach to enhancing user privacy and security on the Ethereum blockchain. By implementing these incremental improvements, Ethereum aims to provide users with more control over their privacy without compromising the network's core functionalities.
Earlier we reported that Ethereum recovers from new two-year low of $1,385 amid tariff-induced sell-off.
