Bitcoin Core developers have released version 31.1rc1, a release candidate that patches an IP address leak in the -privatebroadcast feature. The fix addresses a bug that could cause some connections to fall back to clearnet instead of the configured privacy network, potentially exposing node operators who rely on Tor or similar overlays.
What the 31.1rc1 release candidate fixes
The tagged v31.1rc1 release notes confirm that the build corrects an IP address leak affecting users of the -privatebroadcast option. The flaw could cause certain connections to use clearnet rather than the privacy network a node operator had configured, defeating the purpose of the feature. For related coverage, see Strategy May Sell More Bitcoin to Fund Dividends and Buybacks.
A release candidate in Bitcoin Core’s development cycle is a near-final build distributed for community testing before the stable release ships. Version 31.1rc1 is a minor release that follows v31.0, not a major version bump. The release notes also describe additional bug fixes, performance improvements, and updated translations bundled into the build.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Privacy patch: Fixes an IP address leak in the -privatebroadcast feature that could expose clearnet connections.
- Minor release: v31.1rc1 follows v31.0 and is not a major version change.
- Testing phase: Binaries are available for community review before the stable 31.1 release ships.
The official test.rc1 directory on bitcoincore.org lists SHA256SUMS and platform binaries with timestamps dated June 24, 2026. The Bitcoin Core Project announced on June 29 that the candidate was ready for testing.
A new release candidate of Bitcoin Core, v31.1rc1, is available for testing.
This is a new minor release, and follows v31.0.
Release notes: https://t.co/5jdaPQEv5o
Binaries are available here: https://t.co/iFH3rP870h— Bitcoin Core Project (@bitcoincoreorg) June 29, 2026
Source: @bitcoincoreorg on X
Why the privacy fix matters for node operators
The -privatebroadcast feature exists specifically for users who want to broadcast transactions without revealing their IP address. An unintended fallback to clearnet undermines that guarantee, potentially linking a node’s real IP to its transaction activity.
For operators running nodes over Tor or I2P, the leak could expose geographic location and ISP metadata to network peers. Patching this at the release-candidate stage, before 31.1 reaches general availability, limits the window during which production nodes might run affected code.
The fix arrives during a period of broader scrutiny of Bitcoin infrastructure, from sovereign reserve accounting to institutional custody practices. Node-level privacy is a foundational layer that downstream policy discussions often take for granted.
Bitcoin was trading at $58,376 at the time of the research, down 3.25% over 24 hours, while the Fear & Greed Index sat at 15, in “Extreme Fear” territory. The software release is unrelated to price action, but the market backdrop underscores ongoing caution among participants.
What to watch as Bitcoin Core 31.1 moves toward stable release
The release-candidate label means the code is feature-complete but awaiting community testing. If no blocking issues surface, the stable 31.1 build should follow within weeks. Node operators and downstream projects should confirm that the privacy fix carries into that final release.
Institutional holders such as Strategy, which holds 847,363 BTC, and Cardone Capital with over 2,700 BTC typically run or depend on infrastructure built on Bitcoin Core. Privacy and networking fixes at the node level ripple through custody stacks, making rc-stage testing relevant beyond just hobbyist operators.
Meanwhile, recent ETF outflows highlight that market sentiment and infrastructure confidence move on separate tracks. The 31.1 stable release date has not been announced, but historically Bitcoin Core release candidates spend two to four weeks in testing before final publication.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Cryptocurrency and digital asset markets carry significant risk. Always do your own research before making decisions.
