In June 2025, a debate took place between Paul Sztorc and Alex Gladstein regarding the scaling of Bitcoin, focusing on the role of the Lightning Network.
Sztorc and Gladstein: Differing Approaches
The debate featured Paul Sztorc, CEO of LayerTwoLabs, and Alex Gladstein, CSO of the Human Rights Foundation. They discussed the merits of stronger self-custody solutions over federated models. Gladstein shifted his stance, advocating for a revised role for the Lightning Network in effectively scaling Bitcoin. Both experts emphasized the risks associated with federated solutions, contradicting traditional custodial approaches.
Impact of the Debate on the Bitcoin Community
Following the debate, no immediate market changes occurred; however, the discussion sparked active dialogue within the community. Questions surrounding BTC’s scalability remain key, with unresolved tensions regarding centralization and custodial models. This debate could serve as a catalyst for renewed development interest, potentially revisiting proposals for hard forks or technical innovations.
The Future of Bitcoin Scaling Solutions
Currently, regulatory bodies like the SEC or CFTC have not reacted to the discussions; however, historically such debates often precede significant shifts in the network. Developers are expected to continue exploring alternatives like Drivechains, focusing on trust-minimization and transparency. Despite no immediate changes in funding or institutional actions, scrutiny of Bitcoin’s future scaling solutions persists.
The debate between Sztorc and Gladstein highlights ongoing tensions in integrating scalable yet decentralized solutions within the Bitcoin ecosystem.
