Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has revised his stance on blockchain state tracking, highlighting the transformative impact of ZK-SNARKs. Initially opposing the idea of blockchains tracking only transaction order without state, Buterin now acknowledges that ZK-SNARKs allow for state verification without re-executing every transaction, reducing computational burdens on users. Buterin emphasizes the importance of maintaining a self-sovereign blockchain, cautioning against over-reliance on developers as central points of control. He advocates for a balanced approach, where technological advancements like ZK-SNARKs enable more efficient blockchain operations while preserving user autonomy and security.