A novel proposal aiming to decentralize Ethereum’s block-building process has emerged, as an Ethereum researcher introduces the “Decentralized Random Block Proposal.” The concept, put forth by the pseudonymous researcher Malik672, suggests implementing a shared random algorithm to distribute block construction more equitably across the network while mitigating the impact of Maximal Extractable Value (MEV).
Addressing Centralization in Ethereum Block Building
Despite Ethereum’s transition to a proof-of-stake (PoS) model and the introduction of proposer-builder separation (PBS), block-building remains highly centralized. A limited number of builders and relays control a significant portion of Ethereum’s blocks, raising concerns about network fairness and security.
Ethereum Foundation researcher Toni Wahrstätter previously noted that in October 2024, two block builders—Beaverbuild and Titan Builder—were responsible for constructing 88.7% of Ethereum blocks. Although this concentration has slightly declined to approximately 80%, the issue of centralization persists.
Malik672 argues that the new system would completely alter the landscape of Ethereum block-building. “This system flips that: block-building spreads to thousands of clients globally, fully democratizing the process,” he wrote. Instead of a small group controlling the process, all Ethereum clients would participate through a cryptographically random selection method.
How the Shared Random Algorithm Works
The proposal suggests a decentralized approach where transaction selection from the mempool occurs randomly. This mechanism ensures that no single entity can manipulate transaction order or extract unfair MEV advantages. By incorporating Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT), the system would also reduce mempool variance and improve Ethereum’s robustness against manipulation and attacks, including Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS).
MEV—where block proposers can profit by reordering, inserting, or censoring transactions—has been a longstanding concern. Strategies such as arbitrage and front-running negatively impact regular users, undermining Ethereum’s principles of decentralization and fairness. Under the proposed model, manipulation would be significantly curtailed, fostering a more trustless and democratic Ethereum ecosystem.
Implications for Ethereum’s Future
Beyond decentralization, the proposal aligns with Ethereum’s broader roadmap, particularly Danksharding and layer-2 scaling improvements. Additionally, it could enhance transaction finality by reducing slot times from the current 12 seconds to approximately 6–8 seconds, making Ethereum transactions faster and more efficient.
The proposal surfaces amid ongoing discussions within the Ethereum community about accelerating network upgrades. On February 13, Ethereum developers agreed to fast-track technical improvements, further emphasizing the blockchain’s commitment to innovation. The recent activation of the Pectra upgrade on the Holesky testnet on February 25 exemplifies this drive. Designed to test new features in a simulated real-world environment, Holesky enables developers to identify and resolve issues before wider deployment.
Ethereum’s Market Impact and Future Prospects
Meanwhile, Ethereum’s on-chain metrics continue to indicate a positive long-term outlook. The supply of ETH on centralized exchanges has declined to just 6.38%—the lowest since Ethereum’s inception—suggesting strong holding sentiment among investors. Additionally, Ethereum’s transaction fees have dropped significantly, averaging just $0.41 per transfer, the lowest level since August 2024.
As the Ethereum community debates the feasibility of implementing the Decentralized Random Block Proposal, the potential shift toward a more decentralized block-building mechanism could have profound implications for the network’s future. If adopted, this proposal may mark a turning point in Ethereum’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security, fairness, and decentralization.
