The removal of the OP_RETURN size limit in Bitcoin Core 30, effective October 30, 2025, marks a significant shift in Bitcoin’s technical and philosophical landscape. By allowing up to 4 megabytes of data per OP_RETURN output, the update aligns the protocol with existing practices like Ordinals and inscriptions, reducing UTXO bloat and enhancing flexibility for non-financial applications such as cross-chain bridges and document archiving. Proponents, led by Peter Todd, argue that this change supports Bitcoin’s decentralization by discouraging private blockspace markets and preserving efficient block propagation. However, critics, including prominent Bitcoiners, warn of potential spam, higher costs, and a deviation from Bitcoin’s core monetary purpose. The decision has already sparked community division, with Bitcoin Core’s node share dropping to 88% and alternative clients like Bitcoin Knots gaining traction. As the network adapts, the community will closely monitor performance impacts and ongoing debates about Bitcoin’s identity as either a financial system or a broader data ledger. Make your choice honestly and responsibly