Bitcoin governance has a history of drafting contingency plans that ideally remain unused. Recently, developer Chris Guida updated Luke Dashjr’s proof-of-work hard fork code from 2017, aligning it with the current version of Bitcoin Knots. This move aims to create an emergency solution in case miners resist a proposed protocol change.
This update, completed in August 2026, has caught the attention of Bitcoin community members who advocate for node operators to hold the ultimate decision-making power regarding the network's future.
#What is BIP-110 and Why Might Miners Oppose It?
At the center of the current dialogue is BIP-110, known as the Reduced Data Temporary Soft Fork. Its main objective is to temporarily limit the inclusion of arbitrary non-financial data in Bitcoin transactions for one year.
To activate this soft fork, miner support must exceed 55% over a sampling period of 2,016 blocks, roughly two weeks' worth of Bitcoin block generation. Initial reports around August 2026 indicated weak miner signaling, which is precisely the situation Guida's rebase is designed to counteract.
#Understanding the Proof-of-Work Change as a Last Resort
Changing the proof-of-work algorithm is a radical measure for any Bitcoin faction. It could render existing mining hardware unusable with the new chain, effectively nullifying miners’ investments in specialized equipment. This original hard fork code, crafted during the challenges of the block size debates in 2017, is being adapted now, indicating that some developers are preparing for possible miner resistance to BIP-110.
Developers and representatives from the node-operator community emphasize the necessity of this contingency plan. They frame it as a vital assertion that economic nodes should guide Bitcoin's rules, rather than solely relying on mining power. While Dashjr hopes that this measure will never be needed, he acknowledges the importance of preparedness in the face of potential challenges.