|

Is BIP 119 a serious attack on Bitcoin?

  • The implementation of BIP 119 could negatively impact the fungibility of BTC and increase regulatory control on the asset. 
  • Bitcoin Improvement Proposal 119 would introduce covenants and limit BTC transfers to whitelisted addresses. 
  • Analysts predict Bitcoin price rally as the asset begins its uptrend, set a target of $42,500. 

BIP 119 could place a covenant on where Bitcoin transferred to a wallet can be spent or how it can be spent. Proponents believe a condition placed on spending could result in Bitcoin losing its fungibility, or exchange value, one of its unique propositions. 

Bitcoin could lose its fungibility to BIP 119

Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP) 119 places covenants or spending conditions on Bitcoin. This would imply, a given quantity of Bitcoin sent to a user's wallet address can only be spent if the spending conditions are met. 

A certain op code in BIP 119 would impose restrictions on a transaction. If Bitcoin is sent from address A to address B, "B" can only send it to a whitelist of addresses on receipt of the BTC. Since this creates two different classes of UTXOs, it affects the fungibility of Bitcoin. 

Bitcoin is considered a fungible asset because every BTC unit has similar functionality and quality. The introduction of a covenant that changes the properties of some Bitcoin, in terms of where they can be spent and transferred, would create two different asset classes within BTC. 

Interestingly, the restriction imposed through a covenant could allow financial regulatory authorities and governments to restrict Bitcoin transactions to whitelists or verified addresses and track them further, hurting privacy and equal access of users. 

While the introduction of BIP 119 could protect user funds from hack or theft, its impact on the asset's interchangeability and user's privacy. 

@DaCrypoGeneral, a crypto analyst and trader, observed a descending wedge reversal breakout and expects BTC to hit the $42,500 target after overcoming resistance at $40,600. 

Author

Ekta Mourya

Ekta Mourya

FXStreet

Ekta Mourya has extensive experience in fundamental and on-chain analysis, particularly focused on impact of macroeconomics and central bank policies on cryptocurrencies.

More from Ekta Mourya
Share:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

VeChain mainnet upgrade shifts consensus mechanism from PoA to DPoS as VET extends decline 

VeChain holds above $0.0150 as overhead pressure signals a 15% downside risk. VeChain migrates from Proof of Authority to Delegated Proof of Stake to power the network’s next growth phase.

Crypto Today: Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP sell-off persists amid low institutional and retail demand

Bitcoin (BTC) is trading above $97,000 at the time of writing on Friday amid a sticky bearish wave in the broader cryptocurrency market. Both institutional and retail demand remain muted, making it difficult for BTC to sustain recovery. 

Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: The capitulation phase unfolds

Bitcoin (BTC) market structure continues to deteriorate as the capitulation phase begins to take shape, with BTC sliding below $97,000 on Friday and extending losses to more than 7% so far this week.

Hedera bears test a crucial support, aiming for a 20% drop

Hedera’s bearish reversal from a resistance trendline gains momentum, marking its fourth consecutive day of losses. Hedera futures fall as the funding rate turns negative, indicating a bearish shift in traders' sentiment.

Orange Juice Newsletter – Smart insights by real people. Every day.

A free newsletter highlighting key market trends to help traders stay a step ahead. Daily insights on the most relevant trading topics, compiled by our experts in an easy-to-read format so you never miss an important move.

Bitcoin: The capitulation phase unfolds

Bitcoin (BTC) market structure continues to deteriorate as the capitulation phase begins to take shape, with BTC sliding below $97,000 on Friday and extending losses to more than 7% so far this week.