Supply Shock Bitcoin's Emergency Fork Proposal: Biggest Divide Since the Blocksize Wars | Roundup Debate
Oct 30, 2025
Join Shinobi, a technical editor at Bitcoin Magazine, Aaron van Wirdum, a Bitcoin historian, and Joakim Book, a researcher focusing on governance, as they delve into the urgent BIP-444 proposal for Bitcoin. They explore its potential to split the network, debate the legitimacy of its emergency framing, and unpack the technical and cultural implications of implementing such a drastic change. The trio also reflects on historical parallels, the challenges of community consensus, and the future of Bitcoin amidst rising tensions and ideological divides.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
OP_RETURN Change Framed As Harm Reduction
- BIP-444 frames removing the OP_RETURN limit as a harmless "why not" improvement to support layer‑2 protocols like Citra.
- Aaron argues expanding safe data space reduces harm compared with current inscription methods that bloat the chain.
Reactive Protocols Expose Hidden Needs
- Shinobi says reactive protocols like BitVM drove designers to use "fake pub keys" for visibility, revealing unpredictable future needs.
- He argues upgrades must account for new reactive, high‑visibility designs built on Bitcoin.
Temporary Limits Could Freeze Future Upgrades
- BIP‑444 would temporarily ban many upgrade hooks, witness versions, and large scripts, effectively blocking soft‑forkable future features.
- Shinobi warns this could make future upgrades require hard forks or burn coins while active.