Stay up to Date on the Latest in Bitcoin Tech

Jan 26 - Jan 30, 2026

The latest version of libsecp256k1, version 0.7.1, has been released, featuring enhancements in security, a new testing framework, and build system updates aimed at improving the development process and security for its users. A comprehensive changelog detailing the updates is available for developers and users to fully grasp the scope of the improvements. The release was announced to the Bitcoin Development Mailing List, with further details and download options accessible on the official GitHub release page [here](https://gnusha.org/pi/bitcoindev/H7EoyiVHksqb-hioevj9jeuPtCzmLK5_VSe5ZtdSKHkUKJp8hZyUE1bZ3tUEHETENZhPUgNIfgpFZNdODDgWiLH4kKo3gVjrKIXd1QwnyWQ=@wuille.net/T/#u#mbf291ba10e91e41001adce1d36d3df83abb67711). A recent initiative aims at advancing Bitcoin's authorization policies by introducing a novel encoding mechanism for complex boolean logic in transaction validation, addressing the limitations of traditional methods like threshold/multisignatures and scripts. This development enables nuanced control over who can spend bitcoins without compromising privacy or efficiency by compiling a monotone boolean policy into a single signature verification key, thus keeping the policy complexity off-chain. The approach utilizes cryptographic primitives such as MuSig2, Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman (ECDH), and Non-Interactive Zero-Knowledge proofs to ensure privacy and security while maintaining expressiveness in digital currency transactions. For more information, including a detailed academic paper and an explainer blog post, visit [https://eprint.iacr.org/2026/088.pdf](https://eprint.iacr.org/2026/088.pdf) and [https://hackmd.io/@olkurbatov/HJm5h0JH-l](https://hackmd.io/@olkurbatov/HJm5h0JH-l), with the framework's codebase available for community feedback at [https://github.com/zero-art-rs/blisk](https://github.com/zero-art-rs/blisk).

Jan 19 - Jan 25, 2026

Recent discussions across various platforms have shed light on evolving strategies and innovations in the Bitcoin ecosystem, addressing both immediate technical challenges and long-term philosophical considerations. The exploration of "garbled circuits" and their application in mitigating channel jamming within the Lightning Network underscores a growing interest in cryptographic solutions that enhance network functionality and fairness. This research, accompanied by significant contributions from Gleb Naumenko et al., suggests that native contract-based approaches could serve as effective alternatives to traditional strategies for resolving such issues, without altering underlying consensus mechanisms ([Delving into Bitcoin](https://delvingbitcoin.org/t/fee-based-spam-prevention-for-lightning/1524/2)). In another sphere, the integration of the Falcon post-quantum signature scheme into Bitcoin Core as a soft fork reflects a proactive stance against the emerging threat posed by quantum computing. This initiative not only highlights the efficiency and potential of Falcon in maintaining Bitcoin's security against quantum attacks but also serves as a practical reference for the future adoption of post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, emphasizing the need for a balance between security and operational efficiency within the network ([GitHub repository](https://github.com/thisisnotgcsar/bitcoin-falcon)). Moreover, the concept of Bitcoin's protocol evolving into a "Digital Latin" encapsulates a vision for the currency's foundation to become immutable and resistant to semantic drift. This philosophical approach, advocating for an asymptotic ossification of the protocol, aims to ensure that Bitcoin remains a stable and reliable base layer upon which innovation can flourish in higher layers without compromising the core principles of trustlessness and immutability. This strategy underscores the importance of a deliberate and cautious approach to protocol evolution, highlighting the necessity of distinguishing changes driven by survival from those motivated by political or preferential reasons, thereby preserving Bitcoin's integrity as a foundational digital asset for future generations ([Digital Latin](https://delvingbitcoin.org/t/bitcoin-as-digital-latin-asymptotic-ossification-and-the-end-of-semantic-drift/2214)). Collectively, these discussions reflect a multifaceted approach to addressing both the technical and philosophical challenges facing the Bitcoin ecosystem. From enhancing the security and functionality of the Lightning Network to preparing for the advent of quantum computing and ensuring the long-term stability of Bitcoin's protocol, the community continues to explore innovative solutions that balance immediate needs with future-proofing the network.

Jan 13 - Jan 18, 2026

A recent update to Bitcoin Core aims to address a specific issue on testnet4 by disabling the minimum difficulty rule after block 150,000, an initiative expected to increase block interval times due to a significant reduction in effective hashrate. The community is exploring the potential impacts of this change, with discussions considering further modifications based on feedback, highlighting the collaborative nature of open-source development in the cryptocurrency sphere. [Bitcoin Core update](https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/compare/master..batmanbytes:bitcoin:testnet4-fix) In parallel, a new concept within the Quantum‑Resistant Address Migration Protocol (QRAMP) suggests putting legacy Unspent Transaction Outputs (UTXOs) into a quarantine mode with a two-phase commit and spend flow to secure transactions against quantum attacks. This innovative mechanism, aimed at ensuring post-quantum security without excluding pruned nodes, involves technical challenges, notably in consensus enforcement and user experience, particularly regarding fee sponsorship and the avoidance of historical transaction lookups. The communication includes references to design notes and diagrams to elucidate the proposed solution. [QRAMP discussion](https://gnusha.org/pi/bitcoindev/e2NtSyWxHaZUUHSKA4XYAr8etu7yfXwUTy6gRm456-wWa0UDz_DfoZ9W6ACIVtbMIRjL26yFRCu0iKr5wWfNf0xITLT7EiB-uPYqt2C1e28=@proton.me) Furthermore, the adoption of Nostr for notifying recipients about incoming Silent Payments transactions introduces a privacy-conscious method of informing receivers (Bob) of payments sent by senders (Alice). This approach, leveraging stealth addresses and Nostr, focuses on minimizing the receiver's scanning time while maintaining transaction privacy and security. The discussion emphasizes the development of a notification system that could streamline the payment verification process for Silent Payments, addressing potential challenges such as spam and the accurate provision of tweaks to ensure privacy and ease of use. [Silent Payments and Nostr](https://delvingbitcoin.org/t/silent-payments-notifications-via-nostr/2203)