Developers supporting BIP-110 plan to launch a Bitcoin fork network powered by the BLAKE2b proof-of-work algorithm on September 1, 2026. This fork is not an activation of BIP-110 on the Bitcoin mainnet, but rather a separate hard fork running on a different mining system that creates a new crypto asset.
The September 1 date remains a target rather than a firm deadline for permanent activation. The development team has scheduled test runs first, which, if successful, will be included in the Bitcoin Knots version 29.4.1 release. Technical issues could still force developers to reset and release new candidates, especially since the block height for the final mainnet activation has not yet been set.
Failed to Attract SHA-256 Miner Support
The move to create a separate network comes after an earlier BIP-110 branch failed to garner support. Upon entering its mandatory phase, the proposal secured only 2.53% approval from SHA-256 miners and produced just two blocks before falling far behind the main network. The original BIP-110 proposal was initially a temporary soft fork intended to limit non-financial data space on Bitcoin, including restrictions on OP_RETURN output sizes and certain script formats. Differing views over Bitcoin’s development roadmap and BIP-110 had previously triggered Luke Dashjr’s resignation from mining pool OCEAN.
To break away from legacy miners, the new fork replaces Bitcoin’s signature SHA-256d algorithm with BLAKE2b. Standard Bitcoin mining hardware cannot simply switch over to mine this new network. Some mining rigs designed for Sia - which also uses BLAKE2b - may be compatible. However, there has been no visible commitment of sufficient miner support to secure the new network so far.
Replay Attack Risks Without an Ecosystem
With no major crypto exchanges, leading wallet providers, or Lightning Network implementations committed to supporting the BLAKE2b network, the launch early next month could pose risks for users.
The primary vulnerability lies in the risk of replay attacks. If a transaction remains valid on both networks, a payment sent by a user on one chain could be replayed on the other due to the absence of replay protection. This Bitcoin development debate also sparked a public clash between BIP-110 proponents and Ripple co-founder David Schwartz. Speaking in a personal capacity, Schwartz questioned the BIP-110 group’s claims framing their initiative as an effort to fix the legacy chain.
A blockchain network relies on those willing to secure and use it. Switching algorithms may break the control of legacy dominant players, but without exchanges and wallets ready to support it, transacting coins on the new network will be nearly impossible. Reported by crypto.news.
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Also read: Clashing Visions at OCEAN Prompt Luke Dashjr to Step Down - Now Building New Project
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only, not financial advice. Cryptocurrency assets are highly volatile and carry significant risk. Always do your own research (DYOR) and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
