- Bitcoin Core is criticized for its dominance, as switching to other clients is seen as costly and difficult for most network participants.
- The debate began over a proposed OP_RETURN change, triggering wider questions about development control and decision-making in Bitcoin.
- Developers and industry leaders are increasingly divided over how governance should work within a decentralized monetary system.
A fresh wave of controversy is sweeping through the Bitcoin community following sharp criticism of Bitcoin Core, the software most nodes use to run the Bitcoin network. Samson Mow, CEO of JAN3 and former CSO at Blockstream, has publicly called the software a “risk to Bitcoin.” His warning came after Bitcoin developer James O’Beirne argued that the idea of users freely rejecting Core is overly simplified.
O’Beirne responded to statements made by crypto advocate Jameson Lopp, who promoted a view of individual sovereignty within the network. Lopp claimed that users do not need permission from developers to act. O’Beirne pushed back, stating that Bitcoin Core’s grip remains strong not by force, but through complexity and reliance. Most businesses and node operators continue using it because switching presents financial and technical hurdles.
The current friction traces back to a recent proposal to expand the OP_RETURN field size beyond its current 83-byte limit. While the change would not affect consensus rules, it raised concerns about increased blockchain bloat and spam. Critics argue that such moves could shift Bitcoin away from its core function as a monetary system. Supporters, including Lopp and Peter Todd, view the proposal as a reasonable improvement.
Influence of Bitcoin Core under scrutiny
Samson Mow’s statement that Bitcoin Core has become a threat to the network reflects growing concerns about decision-making power. According to Mow and others, the problem is not only technical but also structural. They point to the difficulty of adopting alternative implementations, even when those options exist. This has led some developers to shift attention toward clients like Bitcoin Knots.
Although Bitcoin is built on decentralized principles, the reality of client software dependency and developer influence is prompting deeper scrutiny. Some see this as a healthy evolution of the protocol, while others worry it exposes centralization risks.
