Bitcoin Developer's Plan to Split Blockchain and Reassign Satoshi Coins Sparks Controversy

Veteran Bitcoin developer Paul Sztorc has unveiled a radical plan to overhaul the cryptocurrency's architecture by launching a separate version of the blockchain, called eCash, in August 2026. The proposed hard fork would give existing bitcoin holders equivalent tokens in the new network for free. However, the community is up in arms over the plan to reassign coins linked to Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin's mysterious founder, to investors before the fork goes live. Sztorc argues that this move is necessary to incentivize collaborators and prevent the project from becoming a 'zombie project' or falling under the control of a small group of developers. The eCash chain would be a near-copy of Bitcoin's existing blockchain, with the addition of Drivechains, a scaling architecture that would allow for seamless movement of BTC between the main chain and sidechains. Despite the potential benefits, the plan has been met with widespread criticism, with some calling it 'theft' and 'disrespectful'. The industry response has been overwhelmingly negative, with concerns raised about the precedent it sets and the potential risks to everyone's BTC holdings.