Bitcoin Core stated in its June 6, 2025 joint statement declared that users define the network and developers cannot mandate policy or software usage

Quotes that support claims

Bitcoin is a network that is defined by its users, who have ultimate freedom in choosing what software they use (fully-validating or not) and implementing whatever policies they desire. Bitcoin Core contributors are not in a position to mandate what those are.

The letter argued that Bitcoin BTC $107,757 is a network “defined by its users” and that its core contributors are “not in a position” to mandate what software or policies they desire.