Bitcoin Core developers released the v30 update, bringing changes to node architecture, performance, and security. Key updates include optional encrypted connections between nodes and increasing the OP_RETURN data limit to 100,000 bytes, allowing more non-financial data in transactions. Older versions are now at ‘End of Life.’

The update sparked debate in the community, particularly regarding the OP_RETURN limit increase. While some see it as an opportunity for more sophisticated decentralized applications, purists argue against non-financial data on the network. Similar to the 2017 block size wars, this update may lead to further division among users.

Despite the controversy, some like Ark Labs Ecosystem Lead Alex Bergeron support the update, aiming to make Bitcoin more like Ethereum. CasaHODL co-founder Jameson Lopp and Satoshi Labs co-founder Pavol Rusnak also back v30. However, critics fear increased costs, legal issues, and blockchain bloat, prompting some to use alternative node software like Knots.

Cryptographer Nick Szabo raised concerns about hosting illegal content due to the data limit increase, urging node operators to exercise caution. The founder of Knots, Luke Dashjr, has not commented on the update, but data shows a significant number of node operators using Knots software, with 5,114 Knots nodes currently active.

Read more at Cointelegraph: Bitcoin Core V30 Officially Launches To Mixed Community Reaction