Updating the Ethereum blockchain code against using ASIC miners postponed

Ethereum cryptocurrency developers decided not to include code in the current protocol update, which could reduce the advantage of ETH miners using specialized ASIC equipment, CoinDesk writes.

During a conference call on Friday, February 1, the developers agreed to postpone the update of ProgPow for further audits. These audits are designed to confirm that the integration of the algorithm will lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of ASIC mining , which in turn will make GPU miners more competitive. The consequence of this change, in theory, should be the presence in the network of a larger number of miners and less centralized hash powers.

Several discussion participants were not ready to support the decision at the current stage. The Ethereum Foundation’s external relations chief, Hudson Jameson, noted that outside audits are likely to provide answers to many questions that remain in the community about the update.

"It will be much easier if we can come to the conclusion that it will work, and this is why," he said.

If we do not find a problem, we can make a decision with sufficient confidence. ”

Danno Ferrin, the developer, supported this view, noting that audits would allow collecting data on how the update might affect Ethereum in the future. They are expected to be completed in March or early April.

In a separate order, the developers agreed to get an opinion on the problem of the wider Ethereum community. In addition, they intend to offer miners to signal in support of the change, but at the same time they acknowledge that a possible refusal to take part in voting will in fact not mean anything.

Publication date 03/02/2019
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