2

According to this blog post by Vitalik on April 1st 2017, Ethereum will move from Proof of Work to Proof of Authority in 2018. He states:

We have decided that the problem is too hard, and secure proof of stake is almost certainly unachievable. Instead, we are now planning to transition the Ethereum mainnet to proof of authority in 2018.

I was looking at getting into Ethereum mining, but now I am unclear what impact this decision has on mining profitability and risk.

I attempted to read this, and ended up in over my head. However, I found this quote under Proof-of-authority 101:

For those not aware of how PoA works, it's a very simplistic protocol, where instead of miners racing to find a solution to a difficult problem, authorized signers can at any time at their own discretion create new blocks.

It seems to be saying that signers are the new miners. Is mining even necessary under a proof of authority system?

As someone new to block chain technology and Ethereum this is a little confusing.

1
  • 3
    According to this blog post by Vitalik on April 1st 2017
    – Daniel
    Apr 6, 2017 at 9:46

1 Answer 1

10

It's a joke.

However, Ethereum does eventually plan to move to Proof of Stake, which is intended to replace mining.

1
  • I thought it might be since it was April fools day, but it is written very convincingly.
    – nu everest
    Apr 6, 2017 at 3:21

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.