TLDR
- Adam Back said Bitcoin should prepare for quantum computing risks even though current systems remain experimental.
- He stated that optional upgrades would allow migration to quantum-resistant cryptography without disrupting existing users.
- Blockstream has implemented hash-based signatures on its Liquid Network as part of its research efforts.
- Google researchers said quantum computers could break Bitcoin cryptography faster than previously expected.
- A proposal to freeze quantum-vulnerable Bitcoin wallets sparked criticism from several members of the crypto community.
Adam Back urged Bitcoin developers to prepare for quantum computing risks, even as current systems remain experimental. He spoke at Paris Blockchain Week and outlined steps for optional upgrades. He said preparation now will reduce disruption if threats materialize.
Back, who leads Blockstream, said quantum computing still operates as a research project. However, he told attendees that Bitcoin developers should not wait for a crisis. He said the network can introduce optional upgrades without disrupting users.
Bitcoin and Quantum Computing: Back Calls for Early Technical Readiness
Back said quantum computing has advanced slowly over 25 years. He stated that present machines remain weaker than standard calculators. He told Bloomberg that the threat may sit 20 to 40 years away.
However, he insisted Bitcoin should still prepare. He said the “safest approach” involves optional migration paths toward quantum-resistant cryptography. He explained that developers can add features without forcing immediate changes.
Back confirmed that Blockstream runs a dedicated quantum research team. He said the team studies possible attack vectors against the Bitcoin network. He added that preparation allows controlled changes instead of emergency fixes.
Blockstream has already tested hash-based signatures. Back said the company implemented them on the Liquid Network. He described Liquid as a Bitcoin layer-2 platform.
He also referenced the Taproot protocol. He said Taproot can support alternative signature schemes. He explained that these upgrades would not disrupt current Bitcoin users.
“Preparation is key,” Back said during the conference. He added that planned upgrades remain safer than reacting during a crisis. He stressed that developers can move quickly if urgency arises.
Researchers Warn Quantum Computing Could Arrive Sooner Than Expected
Last month, researchers from Google and the California Institute of Technology issued new findings. They said functional quantum computers may arrive earlier than past estimates suggested. They also said less computing power may break cryptography than expected.
Google stated that quantum machines could break Bitcoin cryptography in nine minutes. The company warned that attackers could conduct an “on-spend” attack. That scenario would allow hackers to intercept active transactions.
Back addressed that scenario during a panel discussion. He said developers would “act quickly” if the threat accelerated. He pointed to past incidents where developers resolved bugs within hours.
“We’ve seen that before,” Back said. He explained that urgent risks drive consensus and focus. He maintained that Bitcoin can adapt when necessary.
Meanwhile, developer Jameson Lopp and five researchers proposed freezing quantum-vulnerable Bitcoin. The plan would include wallets such as Satoshi Nakamoto’s holdings, valued at $81.9 billion. They said the freeze would prevent theft if quantum attacks emerge.
However, the proposal sparked criticism across the community. Developer Mark Erhardt called it “authoritarian and confiscatory.” Phil Geiger of Metaplanet said, “We have to steal people’s money to prevent their money from being stolen.”
