Bitcoin Layers
Open-source dashboard for trust assumptions and risk ratings of Bitcoin L2s
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Bitcoin Layers is an open-source public goods dashboard that evaluates the trust assumptions of Bitcoin layer-2 (L2) and sidechain systems. It categorizes protocols into bitcoin-native, sidesystems, and alternative chains, and assesses them across four dimensions: BTC custody (whether users can unilaterally exit), data availability (whether state data is posted on-chain), network operators (degree of node decentralization), and finality guarantees (whether settlement depends on external consensus). Each dimension uses a green, yellow, red, or black rating, with explicit criteria—for example, green requires users to unilaterally exit via a Bitcoin L1 transaction, while red means custody is managed by at least 5 publicly known signers. The platform is maintained by an independent contributor and funded by bitcoin ecosystem donations, aiming to help users understand the security trade-offs of various scaling solutions.
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About Bitcoin Layers
Bitcoin Layers is an educational platform focused on Bitcoin scaling solutions. It breaks down various layer-2 protocols and sidechains—like the Lightning Network, Rootstock, Liquid, Stacks, and BitVM-based rollups—in plain language, explaining how each works and what trade-offs they make.
Its core value lies in clarifying trust assumptions. The platform stresses that not all "Bitcoin L2s" are equal: some are secured directly by Bitcoin, while others rely on federations, merged mining, or newer cryptography. This helps users understand what actually protects their BTC on any given layer.
The problem it addresses is the confusion and risk in the Bitcoin scaling space, where marketing often obscures real security differences. By providing objective comparisons, it aims to help users make informed decisions.
In the past six months (2026-03-08 to 2026-09-08), Bitcoin Layers was acquired by Blockspace Media, a Bitcoin-focused news outlet. The acquisition shifted the platform toward data products: Blockspace plans to launch dashboards tracking TVL and adoption metrics across Bitcoin L2s. Bitcoin Layers is set to become Blockspace's first proprietary data offering. The platform's maintainer continues to serve as an advisor. No major negative events were reported during this period, though the transition from pure education to data services represents a strategic pivot.
Co-founder: yah-noosh (Twitter: @januszg_), real name Janusz. He is a Bitcoin L2 researcher, creator of Bitcoin Layers, and its sole maintainer. The platform is an open-source Bitcoin scaling and data tracking project. After being acquired by Blockspace in January 2026, Janusz became an advisor, while also serving as CEO of a company focused on Bitcoin, zero-knowledge cryptography, and user-owned software.