- The Bitcoin Core v30 upgrade not only affects technology, but also network policy. The limit for OP_RETURN data is to be increased drastically.
- While it was previously only possible to embed comparatively tiny amounts of data in transactions, the new version allows up to 100 kilobytes.
Critics say the adjustment is a risky design decision that could have dire consequences. They warn that this could cause the blockchain to reach a size that would jeopardize the decentralization of the Bitcoin project.
However, supporters argue that the change merely formalizes existing options and creates more flexibility. The discussion shows how sensitive interventions in the Bitcoin infrastructure are perceived by the community and how quickly technical decisions can take on political dimensions.
Central structure is affected
The operators of the full nodes, which as a whole form the backbone of the blockchain network, are particularly affected. In the future, you will have to provide significantly more storage space and bandwidth because large amounts of data can be stored in the blockchain via OP_RETURN.
For many node operators this means: they need new, expensive hardware. Exchanges and mining pools must adapt their infrastructure in order to continue to work reliably and not risk overloading their nodes.
Developers of alternative Bitcoin implementations also have to decide whether to adopt the change or consciously distance themselves from it.
Uncertainty about how the network will behave in the coming months is causing reluctance to upgrade nodes. Some operators are waiting, others are testing the new version in isolation in order to better assess possible effects.
What those affected can do now
For many, the question arises as to how they should deal with the situation. The most sensible recommendation is not to implement the update too quickly, but rather to first follow the ongoing discussion in the developer community. Anyone who runs a node can also adjust local rules to limit or simply reject large OP_RETURN transactions.
Companies should review their capacity planning and set up monitoring systems to detect unusual mempool activities early. Since the debate is ongoing, there is a possibility that the change will be modified or withdrawn in a later version.
Until then, caution is advised. Bitcoin Core v30 shows once again how complex and sensitive the further development of a global, decentralized system is and how important it is to critically monitor technical innovations.
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