Vitalik has proposed introducing a native DVT staking mechanism at the Ethereum protocol layer to enhance security and decentralization

On January 21st, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin put forward a "Native DVT (Distributed Verifier Technology)" proposal on the Ethereum Research Forum, calling for directly integrating DVT into the Ethereum staking protocol layer to boost network security and advance validator-level decentralization. Under the proposal, validators can register multiple independent keys and operate collectively as "grouped validators"; a block proposal or attestation is only considered valid once a set threshold of key signatures is met. This mechanism significantly cuts the risk of validator downtime from single points of failure or node compromises, while preserving existing slashing protections when thresholds are set reasonably. Vitalik noted that unlike current DVT schemes—which rely on external coordination layers and have deployment complexities—Native DVT will be embedded directly into the protocol itself. Validators holding multiples of the minimum staking threshold (32 ETH) can set up to 16 keys and specify a signature threshold, meaning multiple standard nodes can collectively form a single validator identity. He stated this design adds very little extra performance overhead: only one additional block delay for block production, no impact on attestation delays, and compatibility with any signature scheme. This helps reduce reliance on cryptographic assumptions that could pose long-term risks. For decentralization, Vitalik argues Native DVT will make it easier for individuals and institutions to participate directly in staking in a "self-custodial, fault-tolerant" way—rather than relying on large staking service providers—thereby improving Ethereum’s validator set decentralization metrics (like the Nakamoto coefficient). The proposal is still in early discussion stages and will require extensive evaluation and community consensus moving forward.