The Bitcoin community is currently embroiled in a heated debate over the upcoming Bitcoin Core v30 update, an upgrade poised to significantly alter how network nodes operate. This contentious discussion has created a sharp divide among prominent developers and users, centered on the software's potential implications for content management and legal liability.
The Alarming Claims Against Core v30
Prominent Bitcoin developer Luke Dashjr has ignited controversy by asserting that running Bitcoin Core v30 constitutes an endorsement, storage, and distribution of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Dashjr warns that this could "kill Bitcoin almost immediately" if the update gains significant adoption. His argument stems from the belief that Core v30 would allow users to access such illicit content without needing additional tools beyond standard web browsers or image viewers, thereby implicating node operators in its dissemination. This stark warning highlights deeply entrenched concerns within the community about the type of data that could be embedded on the blockchain beyond its intended financial transactions.
A Divided Stance on Network Responsibility
Countering Dashjr's dire predictions, developer Jimmy Song, a proponent of Core v30, maintains that the software does not pose an existential threat to Bitcoin. Song argues that while bad actors could leverage the network to spread CSAM, node runners would not be liable, as merely verifying transactions is distinct from actively aiding and abetting illegal content. He emphasizes that Core v30 does not display images or videos, therefore verification alone does not make one complicit. This fundamental disagreement on liability and the interpretation of network operation has polarized the community, with some dismissing Dashjr's concerns as fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD), while others advocate for extreme caution given the immutable nature of blockchain data.
