Blockchain analytics platform Arkham Intelligence launched on August 6 a new feature displaying OP_RETURN messages directly on Bitcoin transaction pages. This update makes hidden text messages previously unreadable visible, including victims pleading for stolen funds to be returned, scammers advertising their services, or individuals attempting to contact hackers directly through the blockchain. OP_RETURN is a Bitcoin opcode allowing users to embed up to 80 bytes of arbitrary data into a transaction with permanent recording. The feature launch coincided with heightened scrutiny around a Coldcard hardware wallet linked to a theft, whose address has accumulated numerous OP_RETURN entries. No immediate price impact was observed following the launch.
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