Blockstream CEO Adam Back has fired back against a proposed Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP-110) aimed at curbing the flood of non-financial data, such as images and videos, on the Bitcoin network. The proposal, which seeks to temporarily reduce the amount of data that can be stored in Bitcoin transactions, has gained some traction among Bitcoin Knots users but faces significant opposition from key figures like Back.
Back, a prominent voice in the Bitcoin community, argues that while the network should prioritize its role as ‘sound money,’ the proposed changes could undermine Bitcoin’s credibility and security. ‘It’s a lynch mob attempt to push changes there is not consensus for,’ he wrote on X, emphasizing that the so-called ‘spam’ is merely an annoyance and not a genuine security threat.
BIP-110: A Temporary Fix or a Long-Term Problem?
BIP-110, proposed by pseudonymous developer Dathon Ohm in December, aims to provide a 12-month window for the community to evaluate the impact of reducing data storage in transactions. This temporary measure is intended to address the surge of non-financial transactions, often referred to as ‘Ordinals,’ which have become a contentious issue in the Bitcoin ecosystem.
According to data, nearly 7.5% of Bitcoin nodes, all running Bitcoin Knots, have signaled readiness for BIP-110. Bitcoin Knots has gained significant market share, rising to 22.7% from a mere 2% in the latter half of 2025, following the removal of the 80-byte limit on the OP_RETURN function by Bitcoin Core developers in late October 2025. This change has sparked a heated debate over the types of transactions that should be allowed on the network.
The Ordinals Debate: Security vs. Innovation
While Back and others oppose the removal of the 80-byte limit, they argue that solutions like BIP-110 could inadvertently freeze funds by rendering certain unspent transaction outputs (UTXOs) unspendable. ‘A solution like BIP-110 has the potential to freeze funds and is not worth the risk,’ Back stated.
However, proponents of non-financial transactions, such as Bitcoin Ordinals leader Leonidas, point out that the Ordinals and Runes ecosystems have contributed over $500 million in transaction fees, which helps strengthen Bitcoin’s security. Despite this, Dune Analytics data shows that Ordinals inscription fees have significantly declined, netting less than $10,000 per day for Bitcoin miners by the end of 2025.
The Future of Bitcoin: Balancing Security and Innovation
The debate over BIP-110 and the broader issue of non-financial transactions on the Bitcoin network highlights a critical juncture for the cryptocurrency. As the mining block subsidy continues to halve every four years, ensuring the network’s security and sustainability is paramount. While Back and others emphasize the importance of maintaining Bitcoin’s role as a secure store of value, the community must also consider the role of innovation and the potential benefits of non-financial transactions.
Ultimately, the Bitcoin community will need to find a balance that preserves the network’s integrity while allowing for the evolution and growth of its ecosystem. The coming months will be crucial as the community weighs the pros and cons of BIP-110 and other potential solutions to the Ordinals issue.
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