What Implications and Centralization Concerns Arise from Ethereum's Dencun Upgrade and Metamask's Intent-Based System?

The Dencun upgrade on Ethereum aims to cut layer two transaction costs and decrease data storage expenses, while Metamask's intent-based system seeks to improve efficiency…Plus Insights from Telos Foundation's New Executive Director!"This episode is sponsored by the Stellar Community FundFollow the show here for more.In this installment of "The Protocol," hosts Brad Keoun, the founding editor of The Protocol Newsletter, and tech journalists Sam Kessler and Margaux Nijkerk,  explore the following stories:Dencun Upgrade Goes Live on Ethereum’s Goerli Testnet Developers said the missed finalization was likely due to an expected lack of participation and older network validators.MetaMask's New Transaction Routing SystemMetaMask is quietly testing new tech that uses third parties to route user transactions. It will eventually be made available outside of MetaMask and will be closely scrutinized for how it manages to avoid centralization concerns.PROTOCOL VILLAGE INTERVIEW SEGMENT  Guest:  John Lilic - Executive Director at the Telos FoundationWithin this dialogue, John Lilic delves into his blockchain background and the transition from Ethereum to Telos. He underscores Telos' standout features—high throughput and cost-effective transactions—casting it as a formidable contender among Layer 2 solutions like Polygon. John envisions Telos as a global US dollar settlement layer, especially impactful in developing nations. Detailing Telos' strategy, he highlights a focus on Asia, developer engagement, and strategic partnerships to broaden its influence. Despite visibility challenges, John remains confident in Telos' potential and the inherent value it brings to users.EPISODE LINKS |  Ethereum’s Dencun Upgrade Goes Live, Devs Wait for Finalization on Testnet MetaMask's Secret Project Could Shake Up How Ethereum Works John Lilic Joins the Telos Foundation as Executive Director Telos Blockchain John Lilic Sign Up for THE PROTOCOL NEWSLETTER From Our Sponsor: The Stellar Community Fund (SCF) is an open-application awards program that draws on community input to support developers and startups building on Stellar and Soroban. Accelerate your web3 project today.Apply for Funding at communityfund.stellar.org-The Protocol has been produced and edited by senior producer Michele Musso and our executive producer is Jared Schwartz. Our theme song is “Take Me Back” by Strength To Last.See Privacy Policy at art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.