Current disputes regarding Bitcoin's scaling are flaring up once more, with industry figures discussing potential measures to combat the rise of spam transactions.
Samson Mow's Proposed Ban on Equipment Sales
Samson Mow, CEO of Jan3 and long-time Bitcoin advocate, suggested that mining hardware manufacturers consider refusing sales or imposing penalties on companies he believes are supporting spam transactions. In a post on platform X (formerly Twitter), he mentioned the potential to simplify transaction processing by introducing economic penalties for mining firms, such as Marathon Digital.
The Core Dispute Around OP_RETURN
Mow's comments tie into the upcoming changes proposed by the Bitcoin Core developers concerning the OP_RETURN functionality. Earlier this year, the development team decided to remove the 80-byte limit on OP_RETURN outputs, which allows small data packets to be embedded in BTC transactions. Many perceive this change as one that could lead to increased spam, filling the network with unnecessary data. Critics voice concerns that this will impact legitimate financial transactions within the Bitcoin network.
Expert Opinions and Ongoing Discussions
Amid this heightened tension, expert opinions on how to proceed are divided. Bitcoin maxi Matt Kratter expressed his support for Mow's ideas, proposing that manufacturers should not sell to 'bad actors.' Opponents of the changes, such as Luke Dashjr, describe them as 'utter insanity,' warning of a possible increase in spam that could hinder the network's core functions.
However, a general consensus among participants in the debate has yet to be achieved, and discussions regarding how to tackle issues arising from the growth of transactional spam continue.
