Dash, an open-source blockchain that relies on proof-of-work, is currently offline due to a recent hard fork failure. This flaw is preventing the network from creating new blocks, which in turn prevents users from securely transferring value or making payments.
Dash Blockchain Faces Downtime
The last confirmed block of transactions on the Dash blockchain was recorded approximately 28 hours ago, as shown by the Dash blockchain explorer. This halt in network activity coincides with a failed upgrade attempt on May 22, in which the platform’s code was supposed to be updated to version 19.0.0.
The bug that resulted in the failed hard fork is related to the implementation of the consensus algorithm in version 19.0.0. This instability has caused block generation to be suspended.
The hard fork, originally scheduled for May 23, has been postponed to June 14. In the meantime, developers have rushed to release a temporary fix to address the block generation issues.
Version 19.0.0, released in April 2023, was designed to improve the efficiency and reliability of the Dash blockchain by enhancing BLS signatures and reducing block size. Additional changes included the implementation of a high-performance masternode and improvements to the core wallet.
Masternodes play a vital role in powering core features such as PrivateSend and InstantSend. With InstantSend, users can make instant off-chain payments without waiting for on-chain confirmations. PrivateSend, on the other hand, offers transaction mixing and obfuscation for increased privacy.
The Intervention
Developers have now released version 19.1.0, which contains various bug fixes and improvements to address the issues encountered in version 19.0.0. This update is mandatory, and all validators are required to integrate it.
An excerpt from the v19.1.0 instructions on GitHub states:
The start date for the v19 Hard Fork has been delayed until June 14th. The earliest hard fork date will be roughly two weeks after that date. A new version will be required before this date to ensure a smooth, hard fork.
The release notes for version 19.0.0 have been removed from GitHub. The chief technical officer, Samuel Westrich, stated on May 22 that the team is actively investigating the issue and will provide updates on Twitter.
While addressing the issue, another developer involved with Dash core, the main code running the blockchain, mentioned the challenge of balancing the need to fix the issues and continue block formation.
Amidst these difficulties, the developer issued a warning that blocks and transactions on the Dash network without ChainLock or InstantSend confirmation should not be considered final.
Due to the block production halt, Binance temporarily suspended the distribution of mining rewards from their Dash Binance Pool. Normal distribution will resume once block generation is back on track.
