Bitcoin Core developers have unveiled version 30, a major update expected to roll out by late October, igniting heated discussions across the crypto community. The update introduces several technical changes, with the most controversial being the expansion of the OP_RETURN field, which increases the current data limit from 80 bytes to nearly 4 megabytes. This adjustment aims to give users more flexibility to embed non-financial data within single transaction outputs.
Supporters argue that block space should be freely used, with transaction fees acting as the natural regulator. However, critics warn of potential downsides, including blockchain bloat, higher storage costs for node operators, and risks of spam or malware abuse.
The proposal also reignited a broader debate on Bitcoin’s fundamental purpose: is it strictly a monetary system, or should it also enable broader applications? Veteran cryptographer Nick Szabo voiced concerns about legal risks, noting that easily accessible illegal content stored via OP_RETURN could expose node operators to liabilities.
While the v30 update remains under testing, its final release will depend on resolving these controversies. For now, the community is divided, weighing the balance between innovation, legal scrutiny, and the long-term stability of Bitcoin’s network.