# Starknet Community Votes on Becoming Independent Layer 1 Over Quantum Risks

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/starknet-community-votes-on-becoming-independent-layer-1-over-quantum-risks-78400b
- Published: 2026-10-15T14:26:53Z
- Category: crypto; sentiment: bullish; impact: medium
- Symbols: [COINBASE:STRKUSD](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/COINBASE-STRKUSD)
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Starknet (STRK) token holders started voting on Thursday on a proposal to explore transitioning the network into an independent Layer 1 blockchain. The seven-day poll aims to give the network direct control over its security infrastructure in response to future threats from quantum computing. Early voting shows overwhelming community approval, with 177.6 million STRK votes cast and 99.91% supporting the move. The token was trading at $0.07766, up 1.01% on the day.

StarkWare, the developer behind Starknet, proposed the potential shift because Starknet currently relies on Ethereum for its bridge and data availability arrangements. While Starknet already uses hash-based STARK proofs and post-quantum account signatures, remaining tied to Ethereum leaves its long-term upgrade schedule dependent on Ethereum's timeline. StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson noted that moving to Layer 1 would allow the network to independently upgrade its cryptography and protect against both quantum and artificial intelligence risks.

If the referendum passes, developers plan to release detailed proposals and hold follow-up polls to define the implementation steps. If rejected, Starknet will remain a Layer 2 network while pursuing quantum resistance within its current framework. Meanwhile, StarkWare also launched Shadow Accounts this week, introducing an STRK20 privacy feature that lets users interact with decentralized applications without linking activity to main wallet addresses.

## Key points

- Starknet holders began a seven-day vote on whether to explore becoming an independent Layer 1 blockchain.
- Early polling shows 99.91% in favor of the proposal out of 177.6 million STRK tokens voted.
- The potential transition aims to address security concerns related to quantum computing and AI threats.
- Starknet currently relies on Ethereum for bridging and data availability infrastructure.
- StarkWare also introduced Shadow Accounts this week to enable persistent pseudonymous dApp transactions.

## Questions and answers

### Why is Starknet considering becoming an independent Layer 1 blockchain?

Starknet is exploring a move to Layer 1 to gain direct control over its security and upgrade timeline, helping protect the network against future threats posed by quantum computing and artificial intelligence.

### What happens if the Starknet Layer 1 vote passes?

If approved, developers will follow up with detailed proposals and additional community polls to outline the transition steps. A negative result would keep Starknet on its existing Layer 2 path.

### What are Starknet Shadow Accounts?

Shadow Accounts are an STRK20 privacy feature introduced by StarkWare that allows users to interact with decentralized applications using persistent pseudonymous identities without exposing their primary wallet addresses.