**BitVM2: Major Upgrade to Bitcoin Scaling Solution Unveiled**

The creators of the Bitcoin Virtual Machine (BitVM) have announced a significant upgrade with the release of BitVM2 and the BitVM Bridge. This new iteration promises "major improvements" over the original system.

**Key Highlights:**

- **Permissionless Challenges:** Anyone can now challenge suspicious transactions with only three transactions needed to complete a challenge, down from 70 in the previous version.

- **Enhanced Efficiency:** BitVM2 aims to process transactions more efficiently while maintaining Bitcoin's security.

- **BitVM Bridge:** Facilitates safer Bitcoin transfers to the rollup with shorter lock-up periods and lower capital requirements.

**Background:**

BitVM was initially introduced in October last year by Robin Linus to bring off-chain smart contracts to Bitcoin without a soft fork. The latest whitepaper, co-authored by Linus and others, outlines the new framework for BitVM2.

**Focus on Scalability:**

Developers emphasize that BitVM's primary goal is to scale the Bitcoin network, not to introduce Ethereum-like DeFi applications. The overarching aim is to enable Bitcoin to handle millions of transactions per second.

Stay tuned for more updates on how BitVM2 will impact the Bitcoin ecosystem.