On March 20, 2025, at an office in London, the BitcoinOS development team officially announced the open-source BitSNARK – a specialized protocol implementing zero-knowledge verification on Bitcoin. This move is expected to 'unlock programming capabilities' for the world's largest crypto network, promising to bring Bitcoin back to its 'original promise' of flexibility and decentralization. But what is BitSNARK, and why is it controversial?
BitSNARK: The Zero-Knowledge Key on Bitcoin
#BitcoinOS completed the final code commit for BitSNARK – a protocol that allows zero-knowledge verification on Bitcoin without needing to change the core protocol. Edan Yago, CEO of BitcoinOS, shared with Decrypt: 'BitSNARK helps developers build and test things that were previously impossible.' This open-source repository targets zero-knowledge applications, now publicly accessible for the development community.
The journey began in July 2024, when BitcoinOS successfully tested the first zero-knowledge proof on Bitcoin's mainnet at block 853626. Previously, Bitcoin faced the 'impossible triangle': scaling, increasing computational flexibility, or maintaining decentralization – only two could be chosen. BitSNARK addresses this issue by optimizing SNARK (Succinct Non-interactive Argument of Knowledge), allowing integration without complicating the core $BTC .
Simplified SNARK: A Small But Significant Breakthrough
#SNARK is cryptographic proof that allows one to prove something (such as the correctness of a transaction) without revealing details, with a simple verification process. BitSNARK improves traditional SNARK: instead of dozens of commands, it only needs three commands and compresses the proof down to ~350 bytes. Yago asserts: 'This is small enough to realize zero-knowledge in the constrained script environment of Bitcoin.'
The protocol uses a 'prover-verifier' model: participants prepare and sign a series of Bitcoin transactions to validate evidence. A binary search algorithm helps detect disputes, combined with an economic incentive mechanism that makes fraudulent behavior costly. Developers can use familiar languages like Rust and Solidity to build, unlocking significant potential.$
Real-World Application: Bitcoin to New Heights?
The open-source BitSNARK is not just a technique but also has practical implications:
Decentralized bridge: Transferring assets between blockchains without needing to trust a third party.
Decentralized Exchange (DEX): Direct trading on Bitcoin.
BTC-backed stablecoin: Creating stable assets linked to Bitcoin.
These applications were previously only feasible on programmable blockchains like $ETH . If successful, BitSNARK could transform Bitcoin into a versatile platform, not just 'digital gold.'
Controversy in the Community
Not everyone is on board. Some Bitcoin developers worry that zero-knowledge increases complexity and security risks, going against the network's philosophy of simplicity and self-custody. Yago responded that only the core infrastructure of BitSNARK is open-source, while some proprietary elements will be limited to BitcoinOS applications. He emphasized to Decrypt: 'BitSNARK is a universal security layer for the entire internet,' but skepticism from the community remains a challenge.
Impact on the Crypto Market
Bitcoin: BTC price (~85,208 USD, 03/19) could benefit if BitSNARK attracts developers and practical applications, increasing the network's utility.
Competition: Ethereum (TVL 50 billion USD) and Solana (newly launched ETF) face pressure if Bitcoin becomes programmable.
Risk: If BitSNARK's security is exploited, confidence in Bitcoin could waver.
Conclusion: Does BitcoinOS Awaken the 'Old Dream'?
The open-sourcing of BitSNARK marks a turning point for Bitcoin to move beyond its role as a store of value, aiming for a flexible network like Ethereum while still maintaining decentralization. With an efficiency of 350 bytes and significant application potential, BitcoinOS is striving to realize Satoshi Nakamoto's 'original promise.' But amid excitement and skepticism, the question lingers: Will BitSNARK elevate Bitcoin to new heights, or is it just a risky experiment? The development community now holds the key to the answer.
Risk Warning: Crypto investment carries high risks due to price volatility. Please consider carefully before participating.