The change eliminates the 80-byte data limit, prompting backlash from critics concerned about blockchain bloat and decentralization.
On September 22, the Bitcoin Core team confirmed that version 30.0 will remove the 80-byte limit on the OP_Return opcode. The decision drew sharp criticism from Bitcoin advocate Jimmy Song, who labeled it a 'fiat mindset.' OP_Return enables embedding small amounts of data into Bitcoin transactions and saw heavy use during the 2024 Ordinals inscription surge. Opponents warn the removal may inflate blockchain size and weaken decentralization, likening it to the 2015–2017 block size conflict that preceded the Bitcoin Cash fork. In response, many node operators have migrated to Bitcoin Knots, which retains strict limits, expanding its share from 1% to 20% in nine months. Supporters claim the change will increase flexibility, foster innovation, and enhance miner incentives, while underscoring a deepening split in the community over scalability and core values.