Bitcoin Asset Protocol BRC-20 Improves Governance with Fresh Maintainers

The BRC-20 token standard, developed by Domo, has recently undergone a significant governance shift. Domo announced that the Layer 1 Foundation (L1F), a non-profit organization founded by the creator, will now be responsible for overseeing the protocol’s token management. This move marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the BRC-20 standard and its governance structure.

In collaboration with UniSat and Best in Slot, prominent Bitcoin infrastructure providers, L1F will take on the role of lead maintainers for the BRC-20 protocol. This strategic partnership aims to ensure the continued development and maintenance of the BRC-20 standard within the Bitcoin network’s Ordinals Protocol.

The BRC-20 standard operates by leveraging the Ordinals Protocol on the Bitcoin network, enabling the seamless transfer of non-BTC digital assets. Through the use of “inscriptions” on satoshis, the smallest units of BTC, the technology facilitates data storage, tracking, and asset transfers on the Bitcoin network.

Historically, governance within the BRC-20 protocol and the broader Bitcoin network has been a complex issue. Previous disagreements, such as the one between Domo and UniSat regarding the “Jubilee” protocol upgrade, underscored the challenges inherent in decentralized governance. Despite past conflicts, Domo acknowledges UniSat’s pivotal role in decentralizing the BRC-20 ecosystem.

UniSat, as the first marketplace to list BRC-20 tokens, played a crucial role in the protocol’s early adoption. Collaborating with Best in Slot, UniSat contributed to the development of a decentralized indexing product for BRC-20, further enhancing the protocol’s functionality and accessibility.

Looking ahead, Domo emphasizes the importance of supporting the growth of Bitcoin metaprotocols on Ordinals and beyond. The creation of a governance framework for the BRC-20 standard, overseen by an oversight committee comprising key industry players, reflects Domo’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within the Bitcoin ecosystem.

In conclusion, the evolution of the BRC-20 token standard’s governance structure signifies a new chapter in the protocol’s development. With the Layer 1 Foundation at the helm, supported by strategic partnerships and a dedicated oversight committee, the BRC-20 standard is poised for continued growth and innovation in the dynamic landscape of digital assets and blockchain technology.