Bitcoin Core v32 Branch-off and the AI Bug Flood

In this episode, Christine is joined by Murch of Localhost Research for a Bitcoin development update. They kick off the episode with brief remarks on the differences between client funding dynamics in Bitcoin versus Ethereum. Murch then walks through the Bitcoin Core v32 branch-off, including the per-release updates to assumevalid and other defaults. Finally, Murch and Christine discuss software security in the age of AI, covering how Bitcoin Core contributors are adapting their workflows to use AI at the individual-contributor and project level. This episode was recorded on September 16, 2026. Timestamps: (0:50) Plug for TabConf 2026 (3:24) Murch’s views on the Ethereum client funding crisis (9:23) Bitcoin Core v32 branch off (20:37) AI’s role in the Bitcoin Core release cycle (28:45) Bitcoin Core’s response to the influx of AI-generated security reports Show links: Bitcoin Core v32rc1 (https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/re...) Weighing the Risks and Rewards of Partially Private Broadcast (https://christinedkim.substack.com/p/...) The AI Question Bitcoin Core Can't Agree On (https://christinedkim.substack.com/p/...) August 2026 Bitcoin Red Team update (https://x.com/callebtc/status/2085024...) Song Credits: Special thanks to Calios for the music featured in this episode. You can listen to the full track, “Our Lives,” and other songs by Calios on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/artist/6qs62.... Enjoying this content? Subscribe to the newsletter: https://christinedkim.substack.com/ Follow on X: https://x.com/ready4merge Interested in sponsoring the show? inquiry@protocolwatch.com