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In a striking resemblance to 2013, Bitcoin mining is experiencing a significant shift towards centralization. Recently, Antpool has dominated a massive 26.48% of Bitcoin's overall <a href="https://ultramining.com/news/en/impending-bitcoin-halving-may-trigger-major-hashrate-decline-say-experts/">hashrate</a>, with <a href="https://ultramining.com/en/ratings/foundry/">Foundry</a> USA closely trailing at 24.95%. Together, they control over half of the current 502 exahash per second (EH/s) total <a href="https://ultramining.com/news/en/impending-bitcoin-halving-may-trigger-major-hashrate-decline-say-experts/">hashrate</a>. This concentration level is a first since 2013, echoing the days when Ghash and Btc Guild led the <a href="https://ultramining.com/news/en/impending-bitcoin-halving-may-trigger-major-hashrate-decline-say-experts/">hashrate</a> dominance, according to <a href="https://news.bitcoin.com/echoes-of-2013-bitcoin-mining-concentration-reaches-decade-high-levels/?utm_source=CryptoNews&amp;utm_medium=app">Bitcoin.com</a>. 
The centralization of bitcoin mining, once a major concern among enthusiasts, is resurfacing. Just three days ago, Antpool and <a href="https://www.viabtc.net/signup?refer=533030">ViaBTC</a>'s combined <a href="https://ultramining.com/news/en/impending-bitcoin-halving-may-trigger-major-hashrate-decline-say-experts/">hashrate</a> hit 51.43%, reminiscent of the 2013 scenario when Ghash and Btc Guild held about 55% network control. This concentration raises questions about Bitcoin's decentralized ethos and its network integrity. 
Back in March 2013, a notable incident involved an accidental fork, leading to Btc Guild, then controlling 20-30% of the <a href="https://ultramining.com/news/en/impending-bitcoin-halving-may-trigger-major-hashrate-decline-say-experts/">hashrate</a>, collaborating with developers to revert the Bitcoin software. The event sparked debates, with Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin and others raising questions about Bitcoin's decentralization. 
Today, the situation mirrors 2013, minus the chain-splitting episode. However, the concern has shifted from potential 51% attacks to transaction censorship. For instance, the North American mining company <a href="https://ultramining.com/news/en/marathon-digital-to-boost-energy-efficiency-with-s19-xp-miners/">Marathon</a> produced an OFAC-compliant block in May 2021 but stopped this practice post-Taproot introduction. Similarly, <a href="https://ultramining.com/en/ratings/f2pool/">F2pool</a>, the fourth largest mining pool, faced criticism for filtering OFAC-sanctioned transactions, a practice it later ceased. 
The growing concentration of mining pools, coupled with emerging transaction censorship concerns, indicates a dynamic and evolving landscape in Bitcoin mining. This situation necessitates continuous vigilance and debate within the community to preserve Bitcoin's decentralization ethos and address challenges to its network integrity.

Surge in Bitcoin Mining Centralization Raises Concerns

Ultramining_Eng

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