Veteran Developer Proposes Bitcoin Hard Fork, Sparks Controversy Over Satoshi Coin Reassignment

Paul Sztorc, a long-time Bitcoin developer, has been attempting to reform the cryptocurrency's architecture since 2015. However, his latest proposal, known as the eCash hard fork, has sparked intense debate within the community. The proposed hard fork, scheduled for August 2026, would create a new chain called eCash, with native eCash tokens. Existing bitcoin holders would receive equivalent tokens on the new network for free. The eCash chain would be a near-copy of Bitcoin's existing blockchain, with the addition of Drivechains, a scaling architecture that allows for seamless movement of BTC between the main chain and sidechains. However, the plan to reassign coins linked to Satoshi Nakamoto's equivalent addresses on the new eCash chain has been met with criticism, with some calling it outright theft. The community is concerned that this move could set a precedent for future coin reassignments, potentially putting everyone's BTC holdings at risk. The proposal has been met with negative responses from industry experts, including Bitcoin advocate Peter McCormack and Pixelated Ink's chief technology officer, Josh Ellithorpe. Despite the controversy, Sztorc argues that the plan is necessary to bring investors on board and ensure the project's success.