CoinDesk Podcast Network BITCOIN SEASON 2: Bitcoin Isn’t Changing And That’s A Bad Thing
Jul 23, 2025
James O'Beirne, a Bitcoin developer known for his contributions to Bitcoin Core, dives into the complexities of Bitcoin development and the ongoing CTV soft fork controversy. He discusses the community's response to his letter advocating for protocol upgrades and the risks of Bitcoin's ossification. O'Beirne highlights the historical evolution of Bitcoin governance, the challenges of consensus on upgrades, and the urgency to innovate before Bitcoin becomes too rigid. Concerns over centralization and future viability also spark intriguing debates.
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James O’Beirne’s Bitcoin Journey
- James O'Beirne started contributing to Bitcoin by solving a Windows antivirus issue related to blockchain data.
- He later worked full-time on Bitcoin performance improvements and custody-related protocol changes.
Block Size Wars Impact
- The block size wars drastically changed Bitcoin development culture and fractured the community.
- It created lasting scar tissue, especially about business involvement and protocol development.
Bitcoin Protocol Leadership Vacuum
- After Taproot, previous technical leaders abdicated protocol development, causing a leadership vacuum.
- Consensus manufacturing by few experts created broad adoption of upgrades without widespread understanding.