In a significant development following the recent High Court ruling in the COPA vs. Craig Wright case, Bitcoin Core Version 27.0 is now available for download in the UK, and the original Bitcoin whitepaper has been re-uploaded globally (UK access to be resolved soon). A big moment for the Bitcoin community, celebrating not only increased adoption and technological progress but also a legal victory for the principles of open-source software and decentralization.
The Legal Battle: COPA vs. Craig Wright
The long-standing legal battle between the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (COPA) and Craig Wright, who claims to be Satoshi Nakamoto, concluded with a decisive ruling by the High Court. The court found that Wright had engaged in extensive and repeated lying and forgery in his claim to be the creator of Bitcoin. This verdict not only discredited Wright’s assertions but also had significant implications for the availability of Bitcoin-related resources in the UK.
For a considerable time, UK users were blocked from downloading Bitcoin Core software due to litigation initiated by Wright. His claims and subsequent legal actions had created substantial hurdles for the distribution of Bitcoin-related materials. This blockade represented a significant impediment to the community’s access to essential tools and documentation.
Bitcoin Core Version 27.0 is now available for download at https://t.co/PJDyyrcBFb.
— Cøbra (@CobraBitcoin) May 23, 2024
The block on UK users downloading it is also now removed. For those that didn't know, it previously wasn't possible to download Bitcoin Core from the UK because of litigation. A good day. 🎉
The Return of Bitcoin Core and the Whitepaper
On May 23, 2024, the ban was lifted, and Bitcoin Core Version 27.0 became available for download to UK users, as announced by CobraBitcoin on Twitter. This update was a direct result of the High Court’s ruling, allowing the UK community to regain access to the critical software needed for running Bitcoin nodes and supporting the network.
Simultaneously, the Bitcoin whitepaper, which had been central to the litigation, was re-uploaded globally. This document is foundational to understanding Bitcoin’s principles and technology. Its return was highlighted by prominent community members, including Norbert (@bitnorbert), who expressed his enthusiasm on Twitter, celebrating the accessibility of “bitcoin.pdf” on the Bitcoin Core domain.
The release and unblocking of these critical resources signify more than just a win for COPA; they represent a reaffirmation of the values that Bitcoin stands for—openness, transparency, and decentralization. The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, seeing it as a step forward in reclaiming the narrative from those who have sought to co-opt it through litigation and misinformation.
bitcoin.pdf is back on Bitcoin Core's domain 🧡 https://t.co/rGnLOXrSvc
— Norbert ⚡️ (@bitnorbert) May 23, 2024
Community Reactions and Future Implications
The community has rallied around this development, viewing it as a validation of their efforts to maintain Bitcoin as an open-source, decentralized project. The decision to unblock Bitcoin Core in the UK and restore the whitepaper globally is seen as a triumph over attempts to monopolize and control the technology and its origins.
Jameson Lopp, a well-known Bitcoin advocate, tweeted, “This is a great day for Bitcoin. The return of the whitepaper and the unblocking of Bitcoin Core in the UK reinforces the community’s commitment to freedom and decentralization.”
The implications of this development extend beyond the immediate availability of software and documents. It sets a precedent for future legal battles involving open-source projects and the decentralization movement. The High Court’s ruling and the subsequent actions to restore access to Bitcoin resources highlight the importance of legal frameworks that support innovation and resist monopolistic practices.
A Triumph of Goodwill
The return of Bitcoin Core to the UK and the global re-uploading of the Bitcoin whitepaper is a monumental victory for the Bitcoin community. It underscores the resilience of open-source projects in the face of legal challenges and reaffirms the principles of decentralization and transparency. As the Bitcoin ecosystem continues to evolve, this development serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting these foundational values against attempts to undermine them.
This moment marks a renewed sense of unity and purpose within the community, inspiring further advancements and solidifying the legacy of Bitcoin as a transformative technology. With the barriers removed, the path is clearer for developers, enthusiasts, and new adopters to explore and contribute to the ongoing evolution of Bitcoin.
Author Profile
- Lucy Walker covers finance, health and beauty since 2014. She has been writing for various online publications.
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