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updates and clarifications

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Josh Cincinnati 2018-05-08 14:17:26 -04:00
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_posts/blog/2018-05-08-statement-on-asics.md
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@ -10,6 +10,8 @@ date: 2018-05-08
author: acityinohio
---
## TL;DR: The Foundation is developing ASIC resistance as an option while simultaneously researching ASIC resistance
The only thing hotter than the GPUs securing the Zcash network is the debate surrounding ASIC resistance. You don’t need to look further than the most-debated [Zcash Forum thread of all time](https://forum.z.cash/t/let-s-talk-about-asic-mining/27353) from February, or the debates that routinely pop up in the [community chat](https://chat.zcashcommunity.com/).
The ASIC resistance question has taken on new urgency now that Bitmain has announced the availability of the [AntMiner Z9 mini](https://twitter.com/BITMAINtech/status/992034662875779072), an Equihash-focused ASIC that seems tailor-made for Zcash, shipping in late June. Another complicating factor is that the Zcash Company’s chief, Zooko, has signalled ambivalence about ASIC resistance.
@ -22,9 +24,9 @@ Consequently, we are currently taking the following steps:
- _Investigation and principled decision making._ We are committing funds and effort to investigate the presence and power of ASICs on the Zcash network. We do not know for sure how effective the upcoming AntMiner Z9 mini will be, or the degree to which ASICs already affect the mining process, or whether more powerful ASICs will be developed in the future. All of these questions matter when deciding to change the Equihash parameters, adopt a new PoW type altogether, or welcome ASICs. Board member Andrew Miller is planning to create a proposal through the grants program to [convene a Technical Advisory Board](https://freedom-to-tinker.com/2015/05/11/bitcoin-faces-a-crossroads-needs-an-effective-decision-making-process/) to provide scientifically grounded inputs into this decision.
- _Making ASIC resistance an immediate technical priority for the Foundation._ We have already outlined a technical roadmap for the next year and are in the process of hiring and project-planning to execute on it. Our roadmap includes development on Bolt payment channels, on alternative wallets, and starting an independent implementation of full node software. We are now adding ASIC resistance as an additional technical priority.
- _Making research and development of a more ASIC resistant strategy an immediate technical priority for the Foundation._ We have already outlined a technical roadmap for the next year and are in the process of hiring and project-planning to execute on it. Our roadmap includes development on Bolt payment channels, on alternative wallets, and starting an independent, consensus-compatible implementation of full node software. We are now adding ASIC resistance development as an additional technical priority.
- Based on continued community approval and the results of our investigation above, we have a rough goal of developing and submitting a mitigation plan through the ZIP process, targeting a deployment in late 2018. Having the ability to carry out a PoW change in the future, especially if it is lead by the Foundation, means we should start now. Since the Company is signalling they may not do this, but we think there is a already a loud and clear interest in the community. (This is an easy case, the governance experiments are really about harder cases!)
- Based on continued community approval and the results of our investigation above, we have a rough goal of developing and submitting a mitigation plan through the ZIP process, targeting a deployment in late 2018. Having the ability to carry out a PoW change in the future, especially if it is lead by the Foundation, means we should start now. The Company is signalling they may not do this, but we think there is a already a loud and clear interest in the community to at least have this option available. (This is an easy case, the governance experiments are really about harder cases!)
- _Continuing to run the ballot process to gauge community sentiment._
@ -54,4 +56,6 @@ I'm all for a Sisyphean effort now and again, but perhaps there is a better solu
But in the meantime, we must act, and act we shall.
_Thanks to [Andrew Miller](https://twitter.com/socrates1024) and [Sonya Mann](https://twitter.com/sonyaellenmann) for their input and feedback._
Update: the original version of this post implied that the Foundation was taking a definitive stance for ASIC resistance. It has been edited for clarity to indicate that the Foundation is putting resources into *researching* ASIC resistance: advantages, disadvantages and potential implementation paths. Early feedback on this post encouraged us to submit this update, but for all edits, you can see [full commit history on on GitHub and track changes made here](https://github.com/ZcashFoundation/zcashfoundation.github.io/commits/master). For people in the community who do not like this approach, or demand simpler and swifter action: we know you don't want to accept 'It's complicated and we're still figuring it out.' But, it's complicated and we're still figuring it out. We'll work together to learn as fast as we can and take the appropriate action as fast as we can. Thank you for your support.
_Thanks to [Andrew Miller](https://twitter.com/socrates1024), [Sonya Mann](https://twitter.com/sonyaellenmann), and the [#the-zcash-foundation](https://chat.zcashcommunity.com/channel/the-zcash-foundation) for their input and feedback._