DFINITY begins rollout of long-term staking bonus as M70 update takes shape

DFINITY Foundation has started implementing changes tied to its M70 update, with early adjustments focused on voting rewards for long-term participants in the network.

According to a recent update, the first element of what has been described as the “8-year gang” bonus is now in place. The change will become visible once the relevant proposal is executed on the network, marking the initial phase of a broader plan to reshape how voting incentives are calculated.

At this stage, the update makes underlying data accessible rather than altering rewards directly. It highlights the amount of stake held in neurons configured with an eight-year dissolve delay, offering a clearer view of how long-term commitments are distributed across the system. This dataset is expected to play a central role in the next phase, when voting power and reward allocation are adjusted based on these holdings.

The move reflects an ongoing effort to encourage longer staking durations within the Internet Computer’s governance model. By linking greater influence and potential rewards to extended lock-up periods, the approach aims to align incentives with network stability. Supporters argue that rewarding long-term commitment could strengthen participation and reduce short-term decision-making.

At the same time, the changes may prompt discussion within the community around balance and fairness. Increasing the weight of long-duration stakes could concentrate influence among participants willing or able to commit tokens for extended periods, raising questions about accessibility for smaller or more flexible holders.

The M70 update is still unfolding, with further adjustments expected as additional components are introduced. For now, the focus remains on surfacing data and preparing the groundwork for a shift in how governance rewards are distributed across the network.

The development forms part of a wider push to position the Internet Computer as a “world computer”, with governance design continuing to evolve alongside technical upgrades.