Adam Back criticizes JPEG image inscriptions in Bitcoin and alerts risks to the network

According to Back, the fact of hanging images on the network Bitcoin It could be considered as a form of “spam jpeg“, Which threatens the mission / vision for which the digital currency was created.

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• Adam Back described as “SPAM JPEG” to the registrations of images on the network Bitcoin.
• He pointed out that they barely contribute 0.1% to the income of miners compared to reputational risks.
• The community remains divided between those who see a distortion and those who defend the freedom of use.

Adam Back, one of the first developers of Bitcoin and current executive director of Blockstream, Pronounced on the growing phenomenon of image inscriptions on the network Blockchain of the main digital currency, known as “Jpeg spam.” In an extensive thread published in X, he claimed that these practices undermine the main mission of BTC as a monetary system.

Back’s comment revives a long -standing debate in the community, reminiscent of the so -called “Block size wars” Between 2015 and 2017. At that time, the economic pressure led by users stopped attempts from the miners to boost changes in the protocol, reinforcing the idea that Bitcoin is “Property of humanity” and that developers act only as administrators that require broad consensus for any substantial modification.

Boom of inscriptions on the network

The origin of inscriptions comes from update Taproot and of the protocol Ordinals, that allow direct data such as images within the network. According to recent data, cited by the same back, the amount of JPEG incorporated into Blockchain of Bitcoin 88 million went to 105 million in September, an increase of 20%.

Rates associated with these transactions reach approximately BTC 7,000, equivalent to USD $ 777,000,000, which raises questions about the sustainability of this trend and its impact on network costs.

Those who support inscriptions argue that, being a system without permits, Bitcoin It should not restrict what type of transactions are included whenever users pay for space in the blocks. In addition, they argue that this activity increases economic incentives for miners, something relevant considering that block reward is reduced by half every four years.

Risks perceived by Adam Back

Despite the benefits for miners, Back ensures that the real effect is minimal. It estimates that registrations contribute only 0.1% to the profits of the sector, stated widely by potential risks: reputational damage, increase in transaction costs for common users and reduction of access to access to Bitcoin as pairs of money.

For back, the proliferation of images displaces activities that strengthen the value proposition of Bitcoin and can erode its credibility as a decentralized financial network.

A divided community

Controversy Evidence Differences within the user community Bitcoin. For defenders, it is a legitimate use of technology that enriches the diversity of the network. For critics, including Back, constitutes a waste of space that hinders the main function of the digital currency, which is to operate as money and a payment system between people.

Among the possible solutions, Back mentioned contact with miners and pools to discourage this type of transactions, in addition to adjustments in digital wallets that allow redirecting commissions to operators that reject processing them. He recognized, however, that these measures imply risks of centralization and should be evaluated cautiously.

The debate remains open and reflects the tension between the vision of Bitcoin as a pure monetary system and its use as a platform to store other types of digital assets.

Written article with the help of an AI content editor, edited by Angel Di Matteo / Diariobitcoin

Original image of Diariobitcoin, created with artificial intelligence, for free use, licensed under public domain.

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