Bitcoin Developer's Plan to Create New Blockchain and Redistribute Satoshi Coins Sparks Outrage

Veteran Bitcoin developer Paul Sztorc has unveiled a contentious plan to launch a new blockchain called eCash, which would involve copying Bitcoin's code and issuing equivalent tokens to existing holders. The proposed hard fork, scheduled for August 2026, has sparked controversy due to its funding mechanism, which involves reassigning coins linked to Bitcoin's mysterious founder, Satoshi Nakamoto. Sztorc's plan aims to create a new chain with native eCash tokens and introduce Drivechains, a scaling architecture that would allow for seamless movement of BTC between the main chain and sidechains. However, the community is criticizing the decision to use coins that would have gone to Satoshi's equivalent addresses on the new eCash chain to attract investors, with some labeling it as 'theft'. The plan has been met with negative responses from industry experts, who argue that it sets a dangerous precedent and could potentially put everyone's BTC holdings at risk.