A row over changing the software that produces bitcoins could split the virtual currency, core developers say.
Bitcoin XT, a new version, is currently being recommended by the currency’s chief scientist, Gavin Andresen.
And its developer, Mike Hearn, says its adoption essential to ensure the currency can cope with growing demand.
But some, including a large number of bitcoin miners in China, are resisting XT because of how it might affect control over the currency.
Bitcoin’s blockchain – a digital ledger of all transactions made with the currency – is currently made up of 1MB blocks.
Bitcoin XT would enable these blocks to grow to 8MB.
But this would mean XT was no longer compatible with existing Bitcoin software, creating, its detractors say, two separate currencies and eroding trust in both.
Mr Hearn told the BBC the Bitcoin community’s reaction to the release of the XT software at the weekend had been mixed, but there were some encouraging signs.
“We’ve gone from zero people running the software to 10% of the network in 72 hours, which is really good,” he said.
Source:BBC
