Demand Pool Launches the First StratumV2 Bitcoin Mining Pool

The first Bitcoin mining pool operating on the Stratum v2 protocol - Demand Pool - is now finally opening.

Stratum v2 is a protocol that gives the pool participant who solves the mathematical problem required to add a new block to the chain the authority to determine the content of that block themselves. In most common protocols, the miner has no such influence; instead, it's the pool administrator who decides which transactions are included in a block.

Stratum v2 began development six years ago and launched a year ago. At the time, two mining companies - Demand and Ocean - announced support. One later withdrew, while the other took time to fully launch. Now, at last, it's happening.

Why does this matter?

Courts have recently attempted to block bitcoin transfers from certain addresses. Here's one example, and another.

Courts target those who know private keys. But a private key only enables you to make a transaction, not prevent one. Someone else with the same key can still act against both your and the court’s will.

Courts may soon shift focus to mining pools, as they control which transactions are included in blocks. Since there aren’t many pools, this approach could be effective.

But if miners worldwide - not pool admins - define block content, controlling them all becomes nearly impossible. As a result, Bitcoin will stay a tool for free transfers.

I wish Demand Pool success and remind you that the best Bitcoin exchange rates are always available at rabbit.io.