[DigitalToday Seung-a Yoo, intern reporter] Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin (비탈릭 부테린) said Ethereum is entering a new stage that goes beyond a simple blockchain by combining cryptography.

On Sept. 27 (local time), blockchain outlet U.Today reported that Buterin, describing the long-term direction of Ethereum upgrades, said the network has entered a transition period that could change how it operates over the next few years.

Buterin laid out a plan to develop Ethereum into a future "cryptographic world computer". He explained that Ethereum is evolving beyond a blockchain into a hybrid system that combines blockchain technology and modern cryptography.

The changes focus on expanding the range of applications Ethereum can support, beyond simply improving network performance. He said future upgrades could improve security, privacy and efficiency and support more advanced applications.

Major changes are expected to accelerate after the Hegota upgrade. Several proposals included in Ethereum's long-term roadmap have already taken concrete shape and are expected to lead to structural changes in the network.

Key upgrades Buterin cited include FOCIL, EIP-8288, Lean consensus, improved state management and formal verification.

FOCIL focuses on making it harder for block builders to censor transactions. The goal is to reduce the network's dependence on specific participants and allow users to access the Ethereum network more reliably.

Boosting resistance to transaction censorship is seen as a key pillar in Ethereum's structural overhaul. If FOCIL is applied, it could become more difficult for block builders to arbitrarily control transactions.

Other upgrades focus on strengthening network security and consensus stability. The aim is to support the network's consensus process for transactions and raise overall security through Lean consensus, state management improvements and formal verification.

Ethereum's long-term changes are moving beyond performance improvements toward using cryptography as core infrastructure. Buterin's description of Ethereum as a cryptographic world computer also reflects that direction. As the post-Hegota roadmap is applied, Ethereum is expected to continue restructuring the network to strengthen censorship resistance, security and privacy.