EIP-3074
Intermediate
What Is EIP-3074?
EIP-3074 is an improvement proposal for the Ethereum network that’s set to make transactions smoother and safer. It introduces two new operations, AUTH and AUTHCALL, which provide a method to separate who authorizes a transaction from who sends it.
As of August 2024, EIP-3074 is not live on the Ethereum mainnet, but it’s expected to roll out with the Pectra upgrade by the end of 2024.
How Does EIP-3074 Work?
EIP-3074 works by introducing two main operations that change how transactions are handled on the Ethereum network: AUTH and AUTHCALL.
AUTH
AUTH sets an authorized sender for a transaction. Normally, when you send a transaction, you are both the person sending it and the person authorizing it. With AUTH, you can give someone permission to send the transaction on your behalf.
For example, imagine you have a friend who you trust to do some shopping for you. You give them a signed note that allows them to buy items in your name. Similarly, with AUTH, you authorize another address to make transactions on your behalf.
AUTHCALL
AUTHCALL allows a smart contract to act on behalf of another address. Imagine you have a smart contract that acts like your personal assistant, making decisions and purchases for you. In other words, AUTHCALL lets that smart contract interact with others as if it were you, executing tasks in your name. This can simplify a lot of complex transactions.