Bitcoin Core will remove OP_RETURN restrictions in the next upgrade, triggering a strong response from the crypto community
Recently, there has been big news in the field of Bitcoin development! The Bitcoin Core development team announced that the next software version will remove the long-standing 80-byte limit on OP_RETURN transaction outputs. This decision has caused considerable controversy in the cryptocurrency community.
Developer Greg Sanders mentioned in a GitHub announcement on May 5 that the next version of Bitcoin Core will relay and mine OP_RETURN output transactions exceeding 80 bytes by default, and allow any number of such outputs. In short, this upgrade will allow OP_RETURN outputs exceeding 80 bytes, and users can use any number of bytes for output.
Sanders explained that the 80-byte limit was originally a "mild signal" to remind everyone to use block space carefully to store non-payment publication proof data, but it has now lost its effect. Because many miners and users have found ways to bypass this limit, it makes the network more difficult to manage and less efficient.
Sanders also mentioned that removing the limit would not weaken Bitcoin's security because there are other rules and safeguards in place. However, the decision has sparked heated discussions in the community.
Bitcoin Knots maintainer Luke Dashjr called the removal "complete madness," while Bitcoin user Samson Mow said on X that users can choose to refuse the upgrade, continue to use the old version, or try another version.
Critics believe that the proposal lacks a reasonable decision-making process and that there is no consensus in the community.
However, Sanders insisted that removing the cap is in line with Bitcoin's "minimal and transparent rules" spirit. Despite this, many in the community disagree with the decision and believe that it marks a fundamental shift in Bitcoin's direction.
What do you think of Bitcoin's removal of the OP_RETURN limit? Do you support the development team's decision or do you think the community's concerns are justified?
