Bitcoin Migration to Post-Quantum Standards Could Take 5-10 Years, Says Casa Co-Founder
Bitcoin developer Jameson Lopp warns that upgrading Bitcoin's protocol to post-quantum cryptography could easily require 5-10 years due to the network's decentralized nature.
Migrating Bitcoin to post-quantum cryptographic standards will likely require at least five to ten years, according to Jameson Lopp, a Bitcoin core developer and co-founder of crypto custody firm Casa.
Lopp emphasized that while quantum computers pose no immediate threat to Bitcoin, the network's decentralized consensus model makes protocol upgrades significantly more challenging than centralized software systems. "Making thoughtful changes to the protocol and an unprecedented migration of funds could easily take 5 to 10 years," Lopp stated in a recent social media post.
The comments align with statements from Blockstream CEO Adam Back, who also downplayed near-term quantum computing risks to Bitcoin. However, the debate has divided the cryptocurrency community, with Bitcoin maximalists and developers expressing confidence in the network's security, while some venture capitalists warn of potential price impacts from perceived quantum threats.
Bitcoin investor Samson Mow dismissed quantum computing concerns entirely, claiming that current quantum computers "can't factor the number 21" without significant algorithmic customization. Meanwhile, Pierre Rochard noted that quantum-resistance solutions remain affordable enough for non-profit and venture capital funding.
The discussion highlights the complex technical and coordination challenges facing Bitcoin as quantum computing technology continues to advance.
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