[BIP Proposal] Mempool Validation and Relay Policies via User-Defined Scripts

In a recent exchange on the "Bitcoin Development Mailing List", a point of contention was raised regarding the effectiveness and implications of user-configurable filters within the context of censorship. The conversation highlighted a perceived contradiction in the argument against these filters. On one hand, there is a concern that enabling user-configurable filters could potentially lead to censorship. This viewpoint suggests that such filters, by allowing users to control what they see or do not see, could be manipulated or used in a manner that restricts access to information, effectively acting as a tool for censorship.

On the other hand, the argument also appears to dismiss the effectiveness of these filters in actually achieving any form of censorship. This perspective implies that despite the potential for these filters to be used with the intent to censor, they may not be practically capable of imposing such restrictions effectively. The juxtaposition of these viewpoints raises questions about the underlying assumptions of the argument against user-configurable filters. It seems there is a need to reconcile how these filters can be viewed simultaneously as potentially harmful due to their censorship capabilities, while also being considered ineffective at accomplishing this same goal.

This discussion delves into the complexities surrounding the implementation and implications of user-configurable filters in digital platforms, particularly within the Bitcoin development community. The debate underscores the challenges in addressing concerns related to censorship while also considering the practical effectiveness and repercussions of implementing such filtering capabilities.