Summary
Scott Beeker and Agustin Cruz have raised the urgency of integrating post-quantum cryptographic algorithms into the Bitcoin protocol, like SLH-DSA, SPHINCS+, and Dilithium, to mitigate potential threats from quantum computing. These transitions necessitate significant changes in Bitcoin's core protocol, including adjustments to signature sizes and transaction structures, which could impact block size and network bandwidth (Trail of Bits Blog, SLH-DSA GitHub Repository, Latacora Blog on Post-Quantum Cryptography, CSO Online, https://github.com/chucrut/bips/blob/master/bip-xxxx.md).
Andrew Toth and /dev /fd0 discuss enhancements to the Partially Signed Bitcoin Transaction (PSBT) format and address re-use issues, proposing solutions such as silent payments and adjustments to the mempool policy. These measures aim to enhance privacy and efficiency in Bitcoin transactions, though they highlight the need for broad consensus and careful implementation to avoid centralization and increased complexity (https://gnusha.org/pi/bitcoindev/cde77c84-b576-4d66-aa80-efaf4e50468fn@googlegroups.com/T/#u#ma28015d36d7afba0a7738d191ef1d63074a9b25f, https://gnusha.org/pi/bitcoindev/b383aad2-1abc-4b82-9851-1750b1b52f12n@googlegroups.com/T/#u#ma5658318128c12ee3958e6713df5d809230c7d5f).
Antoine Riard and MishaKomarov discuss the development of libbitcoinkernel and Bitcoin PIPEs, respectively, showcasing efforts to enhance Bitcoin's security and capability without altering its core protocol. These initiatives focus on isolating the consensus engine and introducing covenants for advanced spending rules, highlighting ongoing innovation within the Bitcoin ecosystem to address security threats and expand functionality (https://github.com/ariard/standalone-bitcoinkernel, https://delvingbitcoin.org/t/bitcoin-pipes-covenants-on-bitcoin-without-soft-fork/1195).
Ellemouton's discussion at a recent summit emphasizes the need for updates to protocol proposals, particularly in structuring new messages to enhance efficiency, security, and usability within the network. These proposed updates reflect the collaborative efforts of the community to refine and evolve the system, ensuring its adaptability to technological advancements and user needs (https://delvingbitcoin.org/t/updates-to-the-gossip-1-75-proposal-post-ln-summit-meeting/1202).
New posts
October 20, 2024 06:56 UTC
bitcoin-dev
- Antoine Riard improved the bitcoind system and developed libbitcoinkernel projects during summer.
- A standalone repository for libbitcoinkernel, aimed at easing use and development, is now public.
- The project seeks to enhance bitcoin node security and diversity, inviting developer feedback.
October 20, 2024 06:19 UTC
bitcoin-dev
- Address reuse in Bitcoin transactions poses significant privacy risks.
- Redefining package transactions as per BIP 331 could enhance privacy, limiting address reuse.
- Challenges include increased scanning times and the need for consensus among BIP authors.
October 17, 2024 22:54 UTC
bitcoin-dev
- The BIP proposes integrating quantum-resistant cryptography to enhance Bitcoin's security.
- It suggests updating address formats and transaction structures for quantum resistance.
- Agustín Cruz encourages community feedback on the proposal through a designated URL.
October 17, 2024 15:00 UTC
delvingbitcoin
- The summit emphasized updates to protocol proposals, especially in message structuring.
- Significant changes include adopting Pure TLV formats for messages and incorporating SPV proofs.
- Updates aim to improve network efficiency, security, and adaptability through phased implementation.
October 17, 2024 13:40 UTC
bitcoin-dev
- Andrew Toth proposes Version 2 PSBT enhancements for silent payments to enhance privacy.
- Silent payments alter output verification, requiring new data fields and updated participant roles.
- The proposal includes technical steps for cryptographic proofs, aiming for private Bitcoin transactions.
October 17, 2024 00:45 UTC
bitcoin-dev
- Transitioning Bitcoin to SLH-DSA is crucial to combat quantum computing threats.
- This change requires large modifications in Bitcoin’s protocol, affecting block size and fees.
- Despite challenges, SLH-DSA ensures Bitcoin's security against quantum attacks, requiring community consensus.
October 16, 2024 00:17 UTC
delvingbitcoin
- Over thirty Lightning developers met in Tokyo to discuss Lightning and Bitcoin protocols.
- Key topics included Package Relay, V3 Commitments, and improving transaction reliability and fees.
- Innovations like PTLCs, SuperScalar, and BOLT 12 aim to enhance Lightning Network's scalability and privacy.
October 15, 2024 09:50 UTC
delvingbitcoin
- Recent bitcoin++ discussions showcased ecash in novel applications like discount coupons.
- The ecash uses cryptographic methods, enhancing privacy and incentivizing open-source participation.
- Examples at bitcoin++ demonstrated ecash's potential in non-financial contexts, like user discounts.
October 14, 2024 20:27 UTC
delvingbitcoin
- Bitcoin PIPEs allow setting conditions for future Bitcoin spending without a soft fork.
- They enable advanced transactions and functionalities like Zero-Knowledge Proofs and restaking mechanisms.
- PIPE technology permits complex transaction logic via encrypted keys, enhancing Bitcoin's versatility.
Ongoing Discussions
October 18, 2024 04:01 UTC
delvingbitcoin
- The revised protocol removes `payer_id`, enhancing privacy and efficiency.
- Existing offers stay private without needing changes, as per the lightning summit.
- Updated documentation is available on GitHub, reflecting user feedback improvements.
October 16, 2024 09:00 UTC
delvingbitcoin
- The email introduces "Bundled Payments" for the BOLT12 specification to support two preimages and amounts.
- It focuses on enabling efficient non-custodian exchanges, particularly through submarine swaps and JIT channels.
- Detailed discussions and technical specifications are available on the Linux Foundation's mailing list, aiding implementation.
October 15, 2024 21:03 UTC
delvingbitcoin
- The video "Hashpools" on YouTube presents hashpools as vital for blockchain progress.
- Hashpools enhance transaction speed and security through cryptographic and consensus algorithms.
- The speaker encourages exploration in hashpool technology for decentralized network innovation.
October 15, 2024 08:57 UTC
delvingbitcoin
- Exploring Bitcoin scripting reveals critical details on `OP_CODESEPARATOR` and SegWit transactions.
- Signatures in Bitcoin can bypass `scriptCode` commitment using `OP_CODESEPARATOR`.
- This method enhances security against `FindAndDelete` function vulnerabilities in transactions.
October 14, 2024 13:03 UTC
delvingbitcoin
- The update enhances Schnorr signature verification in Zero-Knowledge environments.
- It removes the need for public key blinding, streamlining the process.
- This boosts both security and privacy in transactions utilizing ZK proofs.
October 14, 2024 09:00 UTC
bitcoin-dev
- Significant progress in ZKP for blockchain improves efficiency and scalability.
- A threshold value T limits OP_ZKP transactions, aiding smaller miners' participation.
- A live GitHub document invites community feedback on these blockchain enhancements.
October 14, 2024 01:08 UTC
delvingbitcoin
- Block pledges not to patent SuperScalar, ensuring free public access.
- Sharing SuperScalar aims for transparency and community involvement in its development.
- Focus is on substantive technical contributions to advance SuperScalar, avoiding non-technical discussions.