Bitcoin Core Developers Reinforce Decentralization as Core Value

The Bitcoin Core team has underscored its commitment to decentralization and user freedom in a recent statement addressing transaction relay systems. They acknowledge the growing demand for relays, which will eventually be implemented by miners, without encouraging their use for non-financial data purposes. The team maintains that this system must remain censorship-resistant, allowing both users and miners flexibility in choosing transaction content. It’s worth noting that Bitcoin Core software is not automatically updated; users must choose to implement upgrades, highlighting the network’s core values of freedom and decentralization. This approach further underscores the ability for users and miners to easily bypass relay restrictions. The team emphasizes that node software should prioritize predicting which transactions will be included in blocks rather than attempting to interfere with legitimate transaction activities, as this is a reflection of their commitment to decentralization. Finally, the statement concludes with a dedication to continuously optimizing transaction relay strategies to promote the continued health and growth of Bitcoin.