Bitcoin Knots Developer Implemented New Coin Lock
The update forces a 45-day lock on newly mined coins to deter pool operators from bypassing transaction checks.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Quantum Computing
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Bitcoin Knots developer Luke Dashjr has activated a new soft fork that locks newly mined coins for approximately 45 days. This move follows the chain's split from the main Bitcoin network in August 2026.
Why it matters
The software update aims to penalize mining pool operators who process blocks without verifying underlying transactions. This strategic shift represents an effort to reconfigure the chain's economic incentives following its transition to the BLAKE2b algorithm.
The new soft fork mandates a 45-day lock on newly mined coins, a significant increase from the previous limit of 100 blocks. Implementation requires node runners to undergo an initial block download and a full chain resync, particularly for those using Raspberry Pi hardware.
The players
Luke Dashjr
He is a prominent Bitcoin developer and the primary architect behind the Bitcoin Knots software project.
The details
The update requires users to perform an initial block download and a full resync of the chain, creating technical hurdles for nodes operating on hardware like the Raspberry Pi. This change aligns with broader efforts on the network, such as BIP-110, which aims to limit arbitrary data like inscriptions.
Timeline
The fork separated from the main Bitcoin network in August 2026.
The mining algorithm was switched to BLAKE2b on September 1, 2026.
Luke Dashjr declared the new soft fork active during the week of September 23, 2026.
The Tech Race
This move reflects a growing trend of divergence in the blockchain sector where developers implement protocol-level changes to curate network utility. It follows the path set by BIP-110, which seeks to prioritize transaction efficiency over arbitrary data storage.
Node operators must dedicate time and resources to perform an initial block download and a full resync to remain compatible with the chain. Users of resource-constrained hardware such as the Raspberry Pi should anticipate increased maintenance requirements following this update.
The takeaway
The implementation of stricter coin-locking rules signals a move toward enforcing stricter transaction validation protocols for miners. Participants on the network should ensure their node software is fully synced to avoid potential downtime under the new rules.
Further reading
For broader technical insights, visit our Quantum Computing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BeInCrypto.
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