Top cryptographers can’t agree on Bitcoin’s biggest quantum question
A Coinbase-convened panel says Bitcoin should start preparing for quantum attacks now, but declines to take a position on whether millions of vulnerable coins, including many linked to Satoshi Nakamoto, should eventually be frozen.
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Summary
- A Coinbase advisory council of leading cryptographers says quantum computers are not yet a threat to Bitcoin but urges the community to begin technical planning for post-quantum signatures now.
- Roughly 6.7 million bitcoin are considered vulnerable to a future quantum attack, including about 1.7 million in early addresses likely tied to Satoshi Nakamoto and lost keys, fueling debate over whether to let those coins remain spendable.
- The council declines to choose between proposals that could freeze or constrain vulnerable coins, instead stressing that compatible solutions can be combined and that users need clear communication and timely action from the Bitcoin community.
