Bitcoin's recent chain split, triggered by the controversial BIP-110 proposal, has resulted in a breakaway chain that has produced only two blocks and has since stalled. This fork, which inherited Bitcoin's high mining difficulty while lacking market value, has left it 326 blocks behind the main network. The fork's inability to lower its mining difficulty until it reaches 2,016 blocks, a milestone estimated to be more than six years away, raises questions about the future of this breakaway chain. This article delves into the implications of this chain split, exploring the challenges faced by the fork and the broader implications for Bitcoin's security and progress. The fork's struggle to attract miners and the potential consequences for the Bitcoin network are discussed, highlighting the importance of broad backing from miners and the wider economy for successful rule changes. The article also touches on the Zcash project's Tachyon upgrade, which aims to scale shielded payments, improve quantum readiness, and test the project's funding, security, and governance. The comparison between Bitcoin's chain split and Zcash's Tachyon upgrade highlights the challenges and opportunities in the cryptocurrency space, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of rule changes and their potential impact on the network's stability and progress.
