Bitcoin developers are in conflict over the proposal to eliminate the 80-byte OP_RETURN data cap in Bitcoin Core v30, splitting factions into Core supporters, led by Jameson Lopp, and Knots advocates, managed by Luke Dashjr.
The dispute highlights significant ideological divides affecting Bitcoin's governance, potentially influencing node operations, transaction policies, and the cryptocurrency's role as either a neutral or curated network.
Bitcoin developers are currently at odds over changes introduced in Bitcoin Core v30. This update includes the removal of the 80-byte OP_RETURN data cap, igniting a sharp conflict with Bitcoin Knots supporters. The Core team, led by figures such as Jameson Lopp, advocates for a permissive transaction policy. Meanwhile, Luke Dashjr, of Bitcoin Knots, criticizes this change as potentially harmful. Luke Dashjr
The dispute impacts the wider Bitcoin ecosystem, influencing transaction inclusion policies on the network. The conflict aligns with past debates on scalability and governance approaches. There is no direct impact reported on ETH or other altcoins; however, attention has turned towards Bitcoin's transactional policies. Critics have warned of potential network fragmentation.
Insights indicate potential regulatory and technological impacts, with diverging transaction relay policies. This could reshape node diversity and Bitcoin’s consensus models. Historical data reflects how similar disputes previously influenced governance and protocol alterations. Jameson Lopp, Co‑founder, Casa, stated, "I truly detest politics. Thus I have little patience for those who try to impose traditional governance models onto Bitcoin. If you don’t like anarchy, you’re free to leave."
The outcome of this ongoing debate will determine Bitcoin’s role as either an open transactional network or a curated monetary chain. The community remains divided, with major figures making strong statements on the potential consequences.