GOAT Network launches BitVM2 testbed to inherit the security of the native Bitcoin Layer 2 network

GOAT Network officially launched its BitVM2 Playground today, providing users with a new way to explore and experiment with the upcoming GOAT Bridge. This release marks an important step for GOAT Network in inheriting the native security of the Bitcoin network and achieving a true Layer 2 status, a goal that no other protocol has been able to verifiably achieve so far.

For a long time, Bitcoin has primarily been viewed as a store of value rather than a dynamic blockchain capable of supporting a robust Layer 2 network. Unlike Ethereum, which has successfully implemented native bridging mechanisms with networks like Optimism and Arbitrum that inherit the security of the Ethereum main chain, Bitcoin faces numerous challenges in achieving a similar security model. As a result, projects attempting to establish a similar security model that allows true Layer 2 networks to inherit Bitcoin Layer 1 security have struggled to materialize.

GOAT Network adopts the latest BitVM2 standard and plans to integrate it into the future GOAT Bridge, aiming to achieve the inheritance of Bitcoin Layer 1's native security.

Kevin Liu, co-founder of GOAT Network, stated: "Bitcoin maximalists have long been skeptical of Layer 2 solutions due to the vulnerability of multi-signature mechanisms to hacks and manipulation. With the upcoming BitVM2-driven GOAT Bridge, we are directly addressing these issues by providing a fully open-source and verifiable framework."

The innovations in decentralization and security of GOAT Network on BitVM2 are primarily reflected in the following aspects:

• 1. True Decentralization: Through an innovative permissionless decentralized ordering protocol, all cross-chain messages (including asset deposits, withdrawals, and Layer 2 state Rollups) will simultaneously achieve consensus from both Bitcoin and the GOAT Network Layer 2. This eliminates reliance on any centralized entity, ensuring true decentralization while simplifying the trust setup of the BitVM2 protocol, providing equivalent security guarantees.
• 2. Forkless Full Bitcoin Verification: GOAT utilizes the most practical BitVM2 protocol, capable of directly verifying proofs through Bitcoin scripts, thereby inheriting Bitcoin's native security. Thanks to GOAT's cutting-edge zkMIPS infrastructure, this architecture enables rapid proof generation and verification processes.
• 3. Dual Slashing Mechanism: GOAT has introduced the first dual slashing mechanism for Bitcoin Layer 2 networks. This mechanism combines the local slashing mechanism of the Bitcoin validation layer with the GOAT consensus layer, significantly reducing the likelihood of dishonest behavior within the GOAT Rollup protocol. The model addresses potential issues such as double signing, node downtime, and illegal refund attacks on GOAT Network ordering nodes.

As one of the lead investors in GOAT Network's Pre-A funding round, OKX founder Dora Yue stated: "We look forward to significant breakthroughs in Bitcoin Layer 2 networks, and it seems that substantial progress has been made with BitVM2. We are pleased to see GOAT Network becoming one of the leading projects in the Bitcoin scaling space."

Previously, attempts at Bitcoin Layer 2 networks often fell short of expectations, with many projects relying on closed-source protocols or other stopgap measures that rendered their security unverifiable. The BitVM2 Playground of GOAT Network successfully addresses these issues by providing an open-source, testable platform based on the latest standards.

This release positions GOAT Network to play a key role in scaling Bitcoin Layer 1, similar to the contributions of Arbitrum and Optimism to Ethereum. By adopting BitVM2, the GOAT Bridge mechanism eliminates reliance on trust systems, ushering in a new era for secure and scalable Bitcoin Layer 2 solutions.

About GOAT Network

GOAT Network is the first decentralized financial market that provides sustainable yield opportunities for BTC holders through an innovative yield generation mechanism. Founded by the creators of the Ethereum Layer 2 Metis, GOAT Network is dedicated to unlocking new investment opportunities for BTC and DOGE holders, making GOAT Network a home for "People's Coins."