Bitcoin Audible

Take_099 - OP_RETURN The Signal and the Noise

May 9, 2025
Discover the heated debate surrounding the OP_RETURN feature in Bitcoin, where opinions clash on whether removing limits is a technical necessity or a risky signal. Explore the implications for transaction fees, user behavior, and potential spam re-emergence. The conversation delves into the delicate balance between innovation and integrity, as new functionalities are weighed against the currency's core values. Join the discussion on what this controversy means for the future of Bitcoin and why it’s a pivotal moment for the community.
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INSIGHT

Core OP_RETURN Limits Debate

  • OP_RETURN allows attaching arbitrary data to Bitcoin transactions and has been limited for over a decade.
  • The recent proposed change removes this limit and the ability to set it by node operators, causing controversy.
INSIGHT

No Node Burden Increase

  • Removing OP_RETURN limits won't increase blockchain size or node difficulty since block size and fees remain bounded.
  • It may ease node operation by encouraging use of OP_RETURN over costly inscription methods involving UTXO bloat.
INSIGHT

Power of Default Mempool Policies

  • Default mempool policies greatly influence transaction propagation and inclusion in blocks.
  • If most nodes filter large arbitrary data transactions, miners including such data may face orphaned blocks, discouraging spam from miners like Mara’s Slipstream service.
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