Unilateral Exit Is Now Live

Spark has launched unilateral exit functionality, enabling users to withdraw Bitcoin from the platform without requiring permission from Spark operators or other parties. The feature addresses a fundamental concern in Bitcoin scaling solutions: maintaining user sovereignty and freedom.

If you have to ask anyone besides Bitcoin for your Bitcoin back, it's wrapped. Users can now reclaim funds even if Spark operations cease entirely.

Philosophy: Unilateral Exit as Freedom

Bitcoin scaling solutions should prioritize user autonomy. Spark's approach rejects reliance on multisig arrangements or bridges that create centralized control points. We identify three core freedoms:

• Freedom to exit the network anytime
• Freedom from censorship
• Full self-custody of Bitcoin

Most scaling solutions overlook unilateral exit despite its importance. We've learned the hard way the consequences of compromising on freedom.

Technical Implementation

When depositing funds into Spark, users receive pre-signed exit transactions. These can be independently broadcast after a timelock period, allowing fund recovery even if operators go offline or attempt censorship.

Practical Considerations

Users can test the feature immediately, though unilateral exits involve longer processing times and higher costs than standard exits: a deliberate safety-over-UX tradeoff. Existing Spark users must redeposit funds to enable this feature.