Foundry USA Pool launches voting on BIP-110: what will change for the Bitcoin network
The largest mining pool, Foundry USA Pool, has initiated a discussion and vote on the BIP-110 proposal, aimed at limiting non-monetary data in Bitcoin blockchain transactions. On a special page published by the pool, BIP-110 is described as a soft fork that introduces strict limits on the use of the OP_RETURN field and other mechanisms for transmitting arbitrary information. This decision could significantly impact the ecosystem, especially projects using the Bitcoin blockchain for data storage, such as Ordinals and BRC-20.
Voting Details and Timeline
Voting is open to all Foundry USA Pool clients via an email form. The voting window will close upon reaching block #961,632, which is tentatively scheduled for early August 2025. Given that Foundry's share of the total Bitcoin network hashrate exceeds 22% (according to Hashrate Index data), the outcome of this vote could be a decisive factor for the adoption of BIP-110. If the pool supports the initiative, it will set a significant precedent for the entire network.
Analysis and Implications
BIP-110 aims to combat the "clogging" of the blockchain with non-monetary data, which, according to its authors, reduces the efficiency of block space usage and increases the load on nodes. However, the implementation of such a soft fork may face resistance from the community, especially among developers who see the Bitcoin blockchain as a platform for innovation. My professional perspective: Foundry, as the dominant miner, demonstrates a willingness to consolidate opinions, but the final decision will depend on the balance between the economic interests of miners and the technical needs of the ecosystem. Stay tuned for developments — this could be a turning point for the future of the protocol.