In a recent statement, Michael Saylor, co-founder of MicroStrategy, has warned that "ambitious opportunists" pushing for changes to Bitcoin's core protocol represent the biggest threat to the cryptocurrency. Saylor, whose company holds a significant Bitcoin treasury, has long advocated for a conservative approach to Bitcoin development, emphasizing stability and security above all else.
Saylor's concerns come amid ongoing debates within the Bitcoin community regarding proposals to modify the protocol. One such proposal is BIP-110, which aims to temporarily cap transaction data, specifically the OP_RETURN function, at 83 bytes to combat spam from non-monetary uses. As of January 25, 2026, BIP-110 has garnered 2.38% node support and is slated for activation by September 2026. The proposal is a response to concerns that inscriptions have consumed a substantial portion (37%) of block space over the past three years.
Saylor frames protocol ossification as Bitcoin's primary defense, suggesting that internal attempts to "improve" the network pose a greater danger than external technological breakthroughs. He views any proposal to alter the protocol as a threat to the entire community, drawing parallels to the block size wars of the past, which resulted in forks that ultimately failed. He stated that changes to fix bugs, protect the protocol or make it compatible would still be acceptable.
Saylor's apprehension is rooted in the belief that Bitcoin's strength lies in its immutability and resistance to change. He has likened the Bitcoin protocol to the body of laws governing a nation, arguing that it should remain minimal and stable to avoid inflation and disruption. He cautioned against destabilizing Bitcoin miners and holders through protocol shifts, stating that he accepted the risks of the existing protocol and did not sign up for changes that could bankrupt him. Saylor pointed to Ethereum's transition to proof-of-stake as an example of a protocol change that destroyed an industry.
The debate over protocol changes has intensified as external threats, such as quantum computing, loom on the horizon. Quantum computing poses a potential risk to Bitcoin's cryptography, prompting discussions about how to future-proof the blockchain. In response to these concerns, Coinbase has established an independent advisory board dedicated to quantum computing and blockchain security. The board includes experts such as Stanford professor Dan Boneh, University of Texas quantum theorist Scott Aaronson, and Ethereum Foundation researcher Justin Drake. The advisory board will focus on research, risk assessments, and technical guidance, with the aim of preparing for the potential challenges posed by quantum computing.
While some developers advocate for proactive measures to address quantum risk and other potential vulnerabilities, others, including Saylor, urge caution. They argue that rushed or politically motivated changes could introduce unintended consequences and undermine Bitcoin's fundamental properties. Most researchers are against rushed protocol changes and prefer waiting for post-quantum cryptography standards to mature. Despite the fact that large-scale quantum machines are still at least five years away, transition planning is important because migration could take years. This divide highlights the ongoing tension between those who prioritize innovation and those who prioritize stability in the Bitcoin ecosystem.
