If ENS is to realize its vision of becoming the canonical information architecture of civilization with Ethereum as the root of trust, we need a coherent framework for integrating heterogeneous trust models, lifecycles, and proof systems into a single resolvable identity space anchored in Ethereum.
The design principle is simple: Data at the edge, trust at the root.
Namespaces and data can live anywhere — across rollups, non-EVM chains, DNS, DIDs, or offchain systems — but verification and trust must always be anchored in Ethereum L1.
CCIP-Read makes this possible. Any external data source can become a verifiable edge to Ethereum if two conditions are met:
- A proof system exists for that source
- An onchain verifier can validate its proofs
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I originally proposed defining a Minimal Verifier Interface (MVI), assuming a unified abstraction across all proof systems — but that puts the cart before the horse.
Logically, it should follow that we first map the design space — the trust models, proof systems, and lifecycle rules of each namespace — before defining a minimal verifier interface grounded in that reality.
Based on this research direction, I’m pleased to share that the Public Goods Working Group has awarded a grant to support this work.
That grant will be used to define the Universal Resolver Matrix (URM). In principle, the Matrix provides a taxonomy and methodology for:
- Typing verifier/gateway patterns across ecosystems
- Making dependencies and trust assumptions explicit
- Systematically classifying proof systems, trust anchors, and verification needs
- Identifying bottlenecks and missing primitives
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ENSIP-19 already serves as the first modeled branch within this matrix.
It standardizes primary and reverse name resolution formats for all coin types, while defining a trustless, onchain multichain registrar and resolution process specifically for the EVM ecosystem — anchoring truth in Ethereum while enabling autonomous execution environments on L2s that share compatible primitives.
URM generalizes this architectural approach, offering a framework for analyzing and designing resolution pathways across all namespaces ENS may interact with in the future — including non-EVM chains, DNSSEC, DIDs, and offchain identity systems.
The Matrix aims to systematically map dimensions of resolution:
| Dimension | Question |
|---|---|
| Trust model | What guarantees correctness of state? |
| Proof system | How are those guarantees expressed? |
| Rules | How are names are created, updated, and validated? |
| Verification path | How is trust ultimately anchored in Ethereum? |
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This Matrix aims to coordinate developer and resource allocation based on a needs-first approach, and inform the DAO how to prioritize investments in resolver infrastructure, missing primitives, and standards that unlock the greatest expansion of ENS’s trust-anchored namespace coverage.