The Timewarp Attack: A Long-Term Threat to Bitcoin Consensus w/ Core Dev Antoine Poinsot
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The Timewarp Attack: A Long-Term Threat to Bitcoin Consensus w/ Core Dev Antoine Poinsot

38:07 Feb 6, 2026
About this episode
Bitcoin is the most secure network in the world, but it still carries technical debt from its earliest days. Shinobi sits down with Bitcoin Core developer Antoine Poinsot to discuss the Great Consensus Cleanup: a proposal to address four long-standing consensus risks that have existed for nearly a decade. From mitigating the Timewarp attack to preventing compounding validation and resource costs, these changes aim to protect Bitcoin’s long-term security and sustainability.🔶 Shinobi - Technical Editor, Bitcoin Magazine🔶 Antoine Poinsot - Core Developer, Chaincode LabsChapters: 03:13 Explaining the "Off-by-One" Timewarp Bug 06:45 How Timewarp Attacks Can Cause Blockchain Bloat 10:26 The Economic Incentives for Mining Cartels 13:27 The Danger of Slow Block Validation Times 16:25 Competitive Edges: Mining Lag and Selfish Mining 19:07 Fixing the 64-Byte Transaction & Fake SPV Proofs 23:46 The History of Duplicate Transaction Vulnerabilities 28:57 BIP 34 vs. BIP 54: Cleaning Up Coinbase Rules 35:30 Implementation Status and How to Support the Soft Fork #Bitcoin #BitcoinCore #ProtocolDevelopment #BIP54 #Mining #BlockchainSecurity #BitcoinMagazine #Consensus #SoftFork #NodeRunner #TechnicalDebt #SoundMoney #BitcoinTech #TimewarpDISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BTC Inc., Bitcoin Magazine, or any affiliated entities. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice. Nothing contained in this show constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. Viewers should consult their own advisors before making financial or business decisions.
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