Ethereum’s Hegota Upgrade: FOCIL Proposal Advances to Combat Censorship and Secure Transaction Inclusion

Ethereum's core development team is making substantial strides toward the highly anticipated Hegota upgrade, with a primary focus on fortifying the network's censorship resistance. At the heart of this progress is the Fork-Choice Enforced Inclusion Lists (FOCIL) proposal, spearheaded by researcher Thomas Thiery. This protocol-level solution is designed to address a critical vulnerability in the post-Merge, proof-of-stake ecosystem: the potential for block builders to deliberately delay or exclude valid transactions. By integrating FOCIL into the consensus layer's fork-choice rule, the protocol would actively enforce the inclusion of listed transactions, ensuring they are processed promptly and reliably. This development marks a pivotal step in Ethereum's ongoing evolution, reinforcing its foundational principles of neutrality and permissionless access. As of early 2026, the advancement of FOCIL within the Hegota upgrade roadmap underscores the ethereum community's proactive commitment to enhancing network security and user sovereignty, directly countering centralizing pressures within the block-building supply chain. This technical initiative not only strengthens the chain's resilience but also bolsters investor and developer confidence in Ethereum's long-term roadmap as the leading programmable blockchain.

Ethereum Developers Advance FOCIL Plan for Upcoming Hegota Upgrade

Ethereum's development team is making significant progress on the Hegota upgrade, with researchers now focusing on a protocol-level solution to mitigate censorship risks. The Fork-Choice Enforced Inclusion Lists (FOCIL) proposal, led by researcher Thomas Thiery, aims to ensure valid transactions are included promptly on the blockchain, countering potential delays or exclusions by block builders.

Originally considered for the Glamsterdam upgrade, FOCIL has re-emerged as a priority for Hegota. The proposal addresses growing concerns over MEV concentration and the disproportionate power of certain builders. By requiring validator consensus rather than relying on a select group, FOCIL seeks to decentralize transaction inclusion and enhance network fairness.

The initiative reflects Ethereum's ongoing efforts to maintain decentralization amid increasing infrastructure centralization pressures. MEV systems' emphasis on speed and efficiency has created reliability challenges in block production—a problem FOCIL directly targets through its enforced inclusion mechanism.

Ethereum Price Prediction: ETH Holds $3,000 Support as Bullish Structure Targets $3,700 Breakout

Ethereum's price stability NEAR the $3,000 mark has intensified market scrutiny of its short-term trajectory. Buyers have repeatedly defended this level, turning it into a reliable support zone. The asset's resilience suggests weakening sell-side pressure and sustained demand, even amid broader market volatility.

Technical analysis reveals a consolidation range between $2,700 and $3,400, with Ethereum currently positioned in the upper half. Traders anticipate a potential 5%-14% upward move toward $3,200-$3,400 if current support holds. Market structure now favors bulls, with $3,700 emerging as the next significant resistance level.

Ethereum Emerges as AI Settlement Layer With ERC-8004 Standard

Ethereum is solidifying its role as the backbone for AI-agent economies through the proposed ERC-8004 standard. The protocol, dubbed 'Trustless Agents,' enables autonomous AI coordination—handling trades, risk management, and micropayments without intermediaries. Market analyst Garrett likens the development to Apple's iPhone moment: a foundational shift where Ethereum becomes the settlement LAYER for machine-to-machine transactions.

Decentralization proves pivotal. Unlike centralized tech firms threatened by AI disruption, Ethereum's Immutable ledger provides trustless infrastructure for AI agents. Early implementations on Layer 2 networks suggest rapid adoption—Garrett projects AI agents could drive 15-20% of DeFi trading volume by 2025, with gas demand surging 30-40% quarterly in 2026.

The standard functions as a digital identity framework, embedding reputation systems and validation protocols. It transforms ETH into the fuel for an emerging agent economy—one where autonomous software entities transact, cooperate, and compete on-chain.

Sony Doubles Down on Blockchain with $13M Follow-On Investment in Startale

Sony Innovation Fund has injected an additional $13 million into Startale Group, reinforcing its strategic bet on blockchain infrastructure for entertainment and AI applications. The investment extends a partnership that began with Startale's 2023 seed round, now channeled through Sony Block Solutions Labs - the joint venture behind Soneium blockchain.

The Ethereum Layer 2 solution has processed over 500 million transactions since its January 2025 mainnet launch, boasting 5.4 million active wallets and 250+ live dApps. Soneium's positioning as an entertainment-focused blockchain aligns with Sony's broader Web3 strategy, particularly around IP monetization and fan engagement frameworks.

Startale App serves as the ecosystem gateway, integrating wallet functionality with asset management tools. The platform's native stablecoin (Startale USD) provides settlement infrastructure connecting applications, users, and payment rails - a critical component for mainstream adoption.