Jimmy Song Backs 'Conservative' Bitcoin Nodes for Decentralization

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Jimmy Song Backs 'Conservative' Bitcoin Nodes for Decentralization — Image source: Unblock Media

Bitcoin advocate Jimmy Song calls for a reversal of Bitcoin Core's OP_Return data limit to uphold decentralization.
The initiative aims to restore the 83-byte limit after changes introduced in Bitcoin Core's version 30 update.

On April 4, 2026, Bitcoin advocate Jimmy Song, co-founder of the non-profit organization ProductionReady, proposed the development of a "conservative" Bitcoin node client. Song's initiative seeks to safeguard Bitcoin's decentralization and monetary properties by discouraging significant code changes without strong community consensus.

A key part of his proposal is to revert the OP_Return data limit from 100,000 bytes, introduced in Bitcoin Core's version 30 update in October 2025, back to its original 83 bytes. Song views this adjustment as a necessary step to reduce the storage costs required to run a full Bitcoin node, making node operation more accessible to individual users. By doing so, the initiative intends to encourage participation in the network and reinforce its decentralization.

The decision to raise the OP_Return data limit in the October 2025 Bitcoin Core update sparked widespread debate within the Bitcoin community. Critics voiced concerns that the change increased storage requirements, making node operation less feasible for individuals and potentially jeopardizing decentralization. As a result, some community members turned to alternative node software options, like Bitcoin Knots, as a way to express their dissent.

Through its proposal, ProductionReady aims to address these concerns by adhering to Bitcoin's foundational principles. Restoring the 83-byte OP_Return limit aligns with the organization's mission to lower storage costs and ensure broader participation in network validation. This approach is intended to strengthen Bitcoin's resistance to centralized control while promoting self-sovereignty among its users.

As of April 4, 2026, 18:08 UTC, Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $67,307.62, reflecting a 0.735% increase in 24-hour trading volume, according to CoinMarketCap.