Bitcoin Developers Remove 80-byte Limit on OP_RETURN Data

Bitcoin developers are moving toward a historic update that will remove the 80-byte limit for OP_RETURN data in transactions.

Bitcoin developers are making a historic change by removing the 80-byte limit for OP_RETURN data in transactions, a move that could open up a world of possibilities for the cryptocurrency.

80-Byte Limit For OP_RETURN To Be Removed In Next Bitcoin Core Version

As announced by Greg Sanders on May 5 via GitHub, the next version of Bitcoin Core will allow transactions with OP_RETURN data larger than 80 bytes to be relayed and mined. The original limit, which is no longer relevant, will be removed with this update.

The OP_RETURN feature allows users to embed information, such as messages, smart contracts, or even digital art, directly on the blockchain. This opens up new creative and technological possibilities that could transform the Bitcoin ecosystem.

The restriction was initially put in place to prevent users from using up too much block space for non-financial data. However, users found ways to bypass this limit, such as using fake output addresses, which only caused more issues.

Moreover, services such as MARA Slipstream and Mempool Accelerator were already ignoring this limit, rendering it ineffective in practice.

This removal could also boost new financial and social solutions, like public records and decentralized identity verification, further strengthening Bitcoin’s utility and expanding real-world use cases.

Crypto Community Reacts To The Upcoming Change

The news has sparked divided opinions among members of the crypto community.

Figures such as Samson Mow, CEO of Jan3, and Marty Bent from the Ten31 Fund noted on social media that there is currently no clear consensus on this change.

Some fear that prioritizing non-financial data could weaken Bitcoin’s core value as a decentralized digital currency. However, proponents argue that opening the network to more use cases increases its resilience and global adoption potential.

Currently, 4.5% of nodes are running Bitcoin Knots, an alternative implementation created by Luke Dashjr. This reflects the diversity of opinions across the network.

Opportunities for crypto innovation are vast with this move. Freeing OP_RETURN will allow experimentation with decentralized applications, Bitcoin NFTs, permanent records, and creative solutions that were previously difficult or costly to implement.

It also reinforces Bitcoin’s image as a living, evolving technology capable of adapting to challenges without sacrificing its essence.

Although the debate remains open, this move could mark a turning point in the history of the Bitcoin ecosystem. Will this be the push Bitcoin needs to enter a new era of innovation?