Bitcoin developers clash over how the network should handle non-financial data.
- Bitcoin Core v30 removes the data size limit in OP_RETURN transactions.
- Supporters say it boosts neutrality; critics worry about spam and misuse.
- Bitcoin Knots gains users as an alternative enforcing stricter rules.
What Is Changing in Bitcoin Core v30?
The upcoming release of Bitcoin Core v30, set for October, will remove the 80-byte limit on the OP_RETURN function. This means that more data can be added to Bitcoin transactions. While this may sound technical, the change lets people embed larger amounts of information on Bitcoin’s blockchain.
Some developers believe this boosts Bitcoin’s openness. Others are worried it will bring spam or harmful content to the network.
Why Are Developers Divided?
The debate is about how Bitcoin should be used. One side believes Bitcoin should only be for payments. They think adding more data clogs the system. The other side says Bitcoin should allow for more uses, as long as the market decides what’s valuable through transaction fees.
Critics warn about non-financial data taking up space that could be used for payments. They also fear that illegal content could be stored forever on the network.
Who Supports and Opposes the Upgrade?
Developers of the alternative software Bitcoin Knots oppose the change. Maintained by Luke Dashjr, Knots adds stricter rules to block large amounts of embedded data. The number of Knots users has jumped from 400 to over 4,700 nodes.
On the other side, Bitcoin Core developers like Gloria Zhao say the update matches what the network already accepts. They stress that OP_RETURN doesn’t cause long-term network problems because it’s prunable, or removable, unlike other methods.
Concerns About Misuse and Control
Some fear larger data sizes could be used to store illegal material. Others argue that this debate is really about who controls Bitcoin. Critics accuse Core developers of favoring projects like Citrea, which need room for more data.
Core developers reject these claims. They insist development decisions are made transparently through public forums. They also deny any influence from outside companies.
What Happens Next?
The final decision will come from the Bitcoin community. If many node operators decide not to upgrade, the network could move in different directions. This choice will shape not just how Bitcoin handles data but also its future as money or something more.
Source: cointelegraph.com
