Ethereum Reversible Transactions: Stanford Researchers Propose Radical Change
On 28 de sept. de 2025, the Ethereum community was shaken by a proposal from a group of Stanford University blockchain researchers suggesting a radical shift: reversible transactions.
Can Ethereum ward off hacks and exploits without compromising its core commitment to decentralization? That's the question Kaili Wang, Qinchen Wang, and Dan Boneh, Stanford University blockchain researchers, aim to address with their controversial proposal. The idea has divided the crypto community, igniting passionate debate about the future of Ethereum.
ERC-20R and ERC-721R: New Token Standards for Reversibility
26 de sept. de 2025 saw the publication of a detailed paper by Stanford researchers outlining ERC-20R and ERC-721R token standards. These aren't intended as a mandatory replacement, but rather as opt-in solutions for reversible transactions. Think of them as enhanced versions of the familiar ERC-20 and ERC-721 tokens.
So, how do they work? The paper proposes reversible versions of ERC-20 and ERC-721, the most widely used token standards. With these new standards, a transaction is eligible for reversal for a short, predetermined period.
Why Reversible Transactions on Ethereum?
The core motivation behind this research is to mitigate the damage caused by hacks, scams, and exploits that plague the cryptocurrency space. The ability to reverse fraudulent transactions could offer a much-needed safety net for users, potentially attracting more mainstream adoption. Imagine a scenario where a stolen NFT could be recovered, or funds siphoned in a phishing attack returned.
However, the concept of reversible transactions clashes directly with the fundamental principles of decentralization and immutability that underpin blockchain technology. Critics argue that it introduces centralization and could be abused, leading to censorship and the potential for malicious actors to reverse legitimate transactions. The debate continues, with proponents highlighting the potential benefits for security and user protection, while opponents express concerns about undermining the core tenets of cryptocurrency.