localhost research

Mining Unit

Tue, 26 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Three months ago, we announced the resurrection of FIBRE.

In that article, we argued that mining centralization remains one of Bitcoin’s most pressing tail risks. We outlined three vectors that entrench mining centralization within the Bitcoin network: pool centralization, supply chain concentration, and infrastructural asymmetry. We also described the emergence of “proxy pools,” where apparently independent pools source block templates from a single underlying entity, effectively centralizing template production in a cartel-like fashion.

Post Quantum Cryptography Group

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0700

Much has been written on the Post-Quantum Problem (PQP). We won’t rehash it all. We encourage readers to review these writings if they are unfamiliar with the capabilities of a Cryptographically Relevant Quantum Computer (CRQC) and what risks such a device poses to the Bitcoin network. In short, a CRQC can break the fundamental assumptions on which Bitcoin’s key-security is based: with knowledge of only a public key, the corresponding private/secret key can be recovered.

Gratitude 002: Bitcoin Core Unit

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0700

Localhost Research is quickly approaching the one-year anniversary of its office opening. In that time, we’ve found our footing as a group and begun developing a team culture and vision for our future. We’ve also published three transparency reports, closely detailing some of our most exciting work.

Transparency Report 003

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0700

This is our third Transparency Report. These reports offer us an opportunity to detail some of the recent activity our organization has engaged in. We hope to surface interesting materials and inspire others to dig deeper into our focus areas and the work which surrounds it.

FIBRE, Resurrected

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:30:24 -0500

The Problem

Mining centralization remains a largely unmitigated tail risk to Bitcoin’s censorship resistance. This risk stems from multiple distinct vectors rather than a single root cause. One is pool centralization, driven by the economic incentive to eliminate payout variance. Another is supply chain concentration, where the manufacturing of mining hardware is effectively monopolized. There is also infrastructural asymmetry, where advantages in energy costs and network latency inherently favor large-scale, geographically specific operations. Because these pressures are structurally independent, no silver bullet exists. Addressing them requires a targeted suite of countermeasures.

Gratitude 001: Visiting Scholar

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0700

Localhost Research depends on the generosity of its donors. Just last year, Mark Casey and Wences Casares helped bootstrap Localhost Research into existence. With our organization established and actively contributing to the ecosystem, we have begun the process of expanding our team and program offerings with the support of the broader Bitcoin community–individuals, corporations, and foundations who all see the value in our work.

Transparency Report 002

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0700

This is our second Transparency Report. These reports offer us an opportunity to detail some of the activity our organization has engaged in over the last three months. We hope to surface interesting materials and inspire others to dig deeper into our focus areas and the work which surrounds it.

501(c)(3)

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 00:30:24 -0500

On May 20th, 2025, Localhost Research was officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit by the United States Internal Revenue Service. This marks a significant milestone for our organization that we are excited to share with our community.

Transparency Report 001

Mon, 05 May 2025 06:30:24 +0600

While we have given you some insight into what our team has been up to as of late, this is our first Transparency Report. As a non-profit dedicated to contributing to the Bitcoin FOSS ecosystem, transparency is fundamental to our mission. We want the world to be able to easily track and learn from our work. We also hope to build a replicable model for other organizations that want to follow in our footsteps. For that reason, we have a transparency page where important organizational documents will be posted in the coming months. Eventually, we’ll even share our Form 1023. We’ve also promised to share a more detailed vision of our organization’s mission with the community. Stay tuned for more on that front.

Firsts

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 09:00:00 +0500

When a new organization embarks on its journey there are many exciting “firsts.” April has marked a number of firsts for us: it offered to us our first day in the office as well as the first working days of the remaining members of our founding team, Ava Chow and w0xlt. We’re so grateful to have both of these individuals on board and working towards our mission. At the end of April we’ll be publishing our first transparency report with more detail about the current and future focus of these contributors and our organization at large.

Q1 2025: Updates, Growth

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 06:30:24 +0600

It’s been three months since we announced the launch of Localhost Research at TABConf 6.

TABConf 6: A Retrospective

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 10:30:24 +0600

For Localhost Research, TABConf 6 will retain a special place in our history. In the BitDevs Socratic Village at 10:30AM on Friday October 25th, we made our first public appearance. Of our team, Justin and Murch were present, alongside two of our board members, Mark Casey and Matt Corallo.

Focus

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 15:40:24 +0600

Where does our focus lie? As a new organization operating in an adversarial landscape, this is one of the key questions we must answer.

Getting Started

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 10:30:24 +0600

Every so often, an opportunity arises. One that captures your attention and draws you in. For us, the Localhost Research team, we have been lucky enough to find one of those opportunities.