Upcoming Bitcoin Core Upgrade to Eliminate OP_RETURN Limit

The next software release by Bitcoin Core developers will remove the 80-byte restriction on OP_RETURN transaction outputs, a decision that has sparked controversy within the crypto community. The announcement was made on May 5 by Bitcoin developer Gregory Sanders, who explained that the 80-byte limit, originally intended to ensure block space was used sparingly, has outlived its usefulness.

Critics have voiced concerns over the decision-making process and potential shifts in Bitcoin's direction. Despite this, Sanders maintains that removing the limit aligns with Bitcoin's ethos of minimal and transparent rules, and will not weaken Bitcoin's security.

The change is expected to improve network consistency and UTXO set clarity, although it is met with differing opinions in the community.