In the earliest versions of the Bitcoin source code, Satoshi Nakamoto included a powerful but hazardous opcode called OP_CAT. In 2010, fearing vulnerability to attacks, Satoshi removed it. Now, it is making a historic comeback.
What is a Bitcoin Covenant?
A Covenant is a "smart vault" for your btc. It allows you to specify conditions under which your coins can be spent after they have been moved. This revolutionary tech allows for trustless recursive vaults.
The Adam Back Connection
Critics of the nyt investigation point to OP_CAT as a contradiction. Why would Adam Back (as Satoshi) remove a feature only to advocate for its return 15 years later? The truth: in 2010, the network was too fragile. In 2026, the network is finally ready for the bitcoin founder's original vision of programmable money.
Blue Ocean Insight
The return of OP_CAT isn't just a patchโit's the completion of a decade-long plan. It enables recursive smart contracts without the bloat seen in Ethereum's model.
"We aren't rebuilding Bitcoin; we are re-enabling the full power that Satoshi put in the first release."