Veteran Developer Proposes Bitcoin Hard Fork, eCash, Amidst Community Backlash Over Satoshi Coin Redistribution

Paul Sztorc, a long-time Bitcoin developer, has unveiled a proposal for a hard fork called eCash, slated for August 2026. The plan involves creating a separate Bitcoin chain, where existing holders will receive equivalent eCash tokens. However, the community is up in arms over the funding aspect, which entails reassigning coins linked to Satoshi Nakamoto, the elusive founder of Bitcoin. Sztorc's proposal has sparked intense debate, with some labeling it as a form of theft. The eCash hard fork is designed to incorporate Drivechains, a scaling solution that allows for the seamless transfer of BTC between the main chain and sidechains. Seven Drivechains are already in development, including a privacy-focused chain and a decentralized exchange. The proposed hard fork has drawn criticism from industry experts, who argue that the plan sets a dangerous precedent and could potentially jeopardize the security of all BTC holdings.