Vitalik Buterin Pushes “Walkaway Test” Standard for Decentralized Applications

Ethereum co-founder is bringing back the original Web3 dream and asking builders to raise their standards. In a post shared on X, Vitalik looked back at Ethereum’s 2014 vision. He said the tools are finally ready to build real decentralized apps. That people can trust and use every day. His message is simple. If an app disappears, users should still own their data and be able to keep using it. This idea is what he calls the “walkaway test.”

Reviving the Original Ethereum Vision

Back in 2014, the idea behind Ethereum was big. Specifically, the plan was to build a full alternative web. In this vision, Ethereum would be the world computer while Whisper (now called Waku) would handle messaging. Additionally, Swarm and IPFS would store files. Together, these tools could power finance and social media along with governance, crowdfunding and more, all without middlemen. However, Vitalik Buterin said that over the years, hype trends and short-term narratives have sometimes distracted from this vision. But the core idea never died. In fact, the tech has only grown stronger.

Ethereum Is Now Faster, Cheaper, and Scalable

Vitalik pointed out how much Ethereum has improved. The network has moved to proof-of-stake, which uses far less energy. Transactions are cheaper and faster. ZK-EVM and PeerDAS are helping Ethereum scale like never before. Layer 2 networks add even more speed and efficiency. He says the old “sharding” dream is now becoming real. Ethereum is finally ready for mass use.

Real Decentralized Tools Are Here

Vitalik Buterin highlighted how the other layers have also matured. Whisper has evolved into Waku, which already powers apps like Status and Railway. IPFS has become fast and reliable for file sharing and storage tools keep getting better.

In 2014, there was a vision: you can have permissionless, decentralized applications that could support finance, social media, ride sharing, governing organizations, crowdfunding, potentially create an entire alternative web, all on the backs of a suite of technologies.… pic.twitter.com/ihU9qOrXfG

— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) January 14, 2026

He also gave special praise to Fileverse, a decentralized version of Google Docs and Sheets. It uses Ethereum and Gnosis for accounts and permissions and decentralized storage and messaging for documents.

The “Walkaway Test” Explained

Vitalik says real decentralization means users should never be locked in. If a company shuts down, your files should still exist. You should still be able to open and edit them and you should not depend on one server, one login or one company.

Fileverse passes this test. Even if the project disappears, users can still access their documents using open-source tools. He compared this to centralized apps that charge monthly fees, track users, and can block access based on politics or location. In contrast, he argued that people should own tools like a hammer; that is, you buy it once and it’s yours.

2026 Is the Time to Build

Vitalik said, “In 2014, decentralized applications were toys, hundreds of times more difficult to use in web2.” He now uses Fileverse himself to write and share documents. His message to developers is clear: the stack is ready. The tools work. The barriers are gone. Now is the time to build real decentralized apps and build them right.