A new hypothesis, dubbed "vecro," proposes a structure for the gravitational vacuum capable of resolving the black hole information paradox. This paradox arises from the apparent contradiction between quantum mechanics and general relativity when considering black hole evaporation, challenging the semiclassical approximation in regions of low curvature. The vecro hypothesis suggests that the gravitational vacuum is not a passive space, but rather possesses a complex structure with Planck-scale correlations that extend over larger distances than expected.

To illustrate their idea, researchers have developed a lattice model that describes the essence of the vecro hypothesis. Although the Hamiltonian of this model is completely local, the vacuum exhibits correlations among Planck-scale fluctuations that fall off relatively slowly with distance. These extended-scale correlations allow the vacuum to "feel around" the region where a closed trapped surface is about to form, a key concept in black hole formation.

This ability of the correlations to anticipate black hole formation allows the vacuum to react by nucleating a "fuzzball" structure. This structure, previously proposed as an alternative to black hole singularities, would destroy semiclassical spacetime. In this way, the vecro hypothesis offers a mechanism by which information could be preserved, avoiding the information loss posed by the paradox and suggesting a violation of the semiclassical approximation even in low-curvature environments.