A bold new proposal is shaking the Bitcoin world. Long-time developer Paul Sztorc has revealed plans for a new Bitcoin hard fork called eCash, expected to launch in August 2026. The idea: every Bitcoin holder would receive an equal amount of the new token, but the plan also includes reassigning part of Satoshi Nakamoto's estimated 1.1 million dormant BTC.
The proposed fork would copy Bitcoin's current codebase, using the same mining algorithm and similar rules. Sztorc explained the token split clearly: "If you have 4.19 BTC, then you will get 4.19 eCash." Holders would not lose anything but simply receive new tokens on a separate chain. The project also plans to include Drivechain features, allowing multiple layer-2 systems to run on top of the network.
The biggest controversy is the plan to reallocate part of Satoshi's dormant coins. Sztorc argued this is needed to fund development and attract early support, helping avoid a "zombie project" with no early contributors. However, critics strongly disagree.
Even David Schwartz questioned the idea publicly, asking: "What are the investors investing in exactly?" Many developers and analysts say changing ownership history sets a dangerous precedent. One response summed it up simply: if this is allowed once, it could happen again.
The fork is still months away. Sztorc says the project will move forward, releasing tools and test software before launch. The broader Bitcoin community remains cautious, with the debate now about who gets to decide the rules of Bitcoin's future.
