Ethereum's protocol layer could theoretically implement incentive mechanisms to curb "meaningless" contract deployments, but it’s tricky. Gas fees already act as a deterrent, requiring deployers to pay for computational resources. However, defining "meaningless" is subjective and risks overreach—legitimate use cases might get penalized. Proposals like dynamic gas pricing or caps on low-value deployments could work but face challenges in enforcement without stifling innovation. EIP-1559 and future upgrades aim to optimize resource allocation, indirectly discouraging spam. Still, governance and community consensus would need to align on clear criteria, balancing freedom with efficiency. Any mechanism must avoid centralization or censorship while preserving Ethereum’s open ethos.

Explore the EIPs / ERCs mentioned in this cast: