Controversial OP_RETURN Limit to See Significant Increase in Bitcoin Core 30
> Bitcoin Core 30, set for an October release, will implement a notable increase in the data limit for the OP_RETURN function, a feature that enables embedding arbitrary data within Bitcoin transactions.

GitHub statements from developers confirm the default OP_RETURN data limit will expand from 80 bytes to nearly 4MB. This adjustment is presented as a move to align with Bitcoin's existing block size and to address challenges in data storage and the unspent transaction output (UTXO) set.

The OP_RETURN function has long been a flashpoint, clashing with Bitcoin's foundational principles of minimalism, decentralization, and resistance to "bloat." Opponents warn that a higher limit could incentivize more non-financial data on the blockchain, potentially degrading its performance. Proponents, however, argue that such an increase is necessary to foster new applications and acknowledge how Bitcoin is already being utilized.