Bitcoin Core Statement: Users Have the Final Choice Refusing Mandatory Updates is the Essence of Decentralization

Bitcoin Core Project released a statement saying that Bitcoin is a user-defined network where users have the ultimate freedom to choose to run any software they wish to use, with or without full verification, and implement any policies they are willing to follow. Bitcoin Core contributors do not have the right to force decisions about what rules users must follow. This principle is reflected in the long-term approach: the Bitcoin Core software does not support automatic updates. This means that no entity can unilaterally force push changes to Bitcoin Core users. All changes must be made at the user’s active option, either by upgrading to a new software version or by selecting a different software. This freedom to run arbitrary software is the primary safeguard of the Bitcoin network against external coercion. "As the developers of Bitcoin Core, we also believe it is our responsibility to enable the Bitcoin Core software to run its core functions in the most efficient and reliable way possible: validating and relaying blocks and transactions, thereby supporting Bitcoin’s success as a decentralized digital currency. In terms of transaction relays, Bitcoin Core may incorporate a number of strategies, such as: denial-of-service (DoS) protection; Fee evaluation strategy; But we don’t stop relays of transactions that have an ongoing economic need and can be reliably packed into blocks. "