In a bold move to reshape the landscape of Bitcoin, Bruce Liu, founder of OPCATLabs, is championing the revival of a long-dormant feature in Bitcoin’s code—OPCAT. This opcode, if re-enabled, could transform Bitcoin from a static digital store of value into a dynamic, programmable asset, Liu argues. Speaking at BTC Asia in Hong Kong, Liu likened Bitcoin without OP_CAT to a “jumbo jet without wings,” capable of so much more than it currently achieves.
A Sleeping Giant Awakes?
Liu’s vision is ambitious. By reactivating OPCAT, developers could concatenate data in scripts, unlocking possibilities like vaults, covenants, and decentralized exchanges on the Bitcoin blockchain. Essentially, Bitcoin could offer the programmability that has led chains like Ethereum and Solana to soar. “OPCAT isn’t my invention,” Liu told CoinDesk. “It’s Satoshi’s code. It was never deleted, only disabled.” This development aligns with recent efforts to expand Bitcoin’s utility, such as Tether’s integration of USDT into Bitcoin’s ecosystem through RGB.
Originally disabled by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2010 over fears of potential denial-of-service attacks, OP_CAT’s reactivation isn’t without its critics. Skeptics caution that introducing new opcodes could disrupt Bitcoin’s stability, a hallmark of its success. Others argue that Bitcoin should stay true to its roots as digital gold, rather than chase after Ethereum’s programmability.
The Vision and the Resistance
Liu, however, remains undeterred. He points to Satoshi’s own words from a 2010 Bitcointalk post, where the Bitcoin creator explained that Script was intended as a general solution for varied transactions. In Liu’s eyes, OP_CAT would bring this dormant potential to life, transforming Bitcoin’s capabilities beyond mere payments.
To demonstrate its potential, OPCATLabs has already launched a Bitcoin fork in a virtual machine with OPCAT enabled, complete with SDKs, APIs, and a JavaScript-like programming language. The move aims to make building on Bitcoin accessible to developers more familiar with Web2 technologies.
Yet, the road to reactivation is as much political as it is technical. Liu, along with Mate Tokay—co-founder of Bitcoin.com—is spearheading an “Alliance” to rally OPCAT supporters. This coalition includes groups like Taproot Wizards and StarkWare, aiming to coordinate efforts and raise awareness about OPCAT’s potential. This initiative is reminiscent of other strategic moves in the Bitcoin space, such as the recent $200M Bitcoin Infrastructure Acquisition SPAC led by crypto executives.
Rallying the Troops
While Liu claims that 90% of those he speaks with support the reactivation, the loudest voices remain opposed. Tokay describes their efforts as an education campaign, targeting influential stakeholders, fund managers, and lawmakers who may not yet grasp the significance of Bitcoin’s programmability. “If they knew what OP_CAT unlocks, they’d be even more excited about Bitcoin’s future,” Tokay asserts.
The stakes are high. By the next Bitcoin Asia conference, Liu hopes to showcase working DeFi applications on Bitcoin and progress toward a more organized lobbying front. “We’re not changing Bitcoin,” Liu insists. “We’re unfolding its wings.”
A New Era or a Pandora’s Box?
Still, questions loom large. Can Bitcoin maintain its hard-earned stability while embracing such transformative changes? And even if OP_CAT is re-enabled, will developers and the wider community rally behind it to build the next generation of Bitcoin applications?
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Liu and his supporters are committed to pushing the boundaries of what Bitcoin can achieve. Whether this marks the beginning of a new era for Bitcoin or opens a Pandora’s box of unforeseen challenges remains to be seen. For now, the crypto community watches with bated breath, as the potential for a more programmable Bitcoin hangs in the balance.
Source
This article is based on: ‘OPCAT Isn’t My Invention. It’s Satoshi’s,’ Says Bruce Liu as OPCATLabs Pushes to Reboot Bitcoin’s Code
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
