Quantum computing is coming and #Bitcoin is vulnerable If we don't act, all of the current locking scripts and signature schemes used to protect funds will be at risk. We interviewed @Lopp to explain his proposal to address this looming threat ↓

@lopp Quantum computing could break #Bitcoin, but it won't be tomorrow. ➤ Lopp says we’re still years away from the threat ➤ But the speed of innovation could go exponential ➤ We can’t stop global quantum development The problem is inevitable. We need to prepare years in advance.

@lopp Quantum risk ≠ just a technical problem. ➤ It’s an ecosystem-wide coordination problem ➤ Upgrading wallets could take years ➤ Millions of coins (including Satoshi’s) may be at risk Lopp’s BIP proposes a roadmap to migrate #Bitcoin safely.

@lopp His plan: a multi-year timeline for opt-in upgrades ➤ Year 0: Introduce post-quantum cryptography ➤ Year 3: Start rejecting sends to quantum-vulnerable addresses ➤ Year 5: Start rejecting spends from vulnerable UTXOs Sound aggressive? It needs to be.

@lopp What about forgotten coins or Bitcoiners in a coma? ➤ Lopp proposes a recovery mechanism using HD wallet data ➤ It could prove ownership without private key exposure ➤ But edge cases (like early paper wallets) could still get lost Tradeoffs are unavoidable.

@lopp Quantum mining isn’t the problem. ➤ Grover’s algorithm might only offer a 4x speedup ➤ Shor’s algorithm—used to crack keys—is the real danger ➤ A quantum miner wouldn’t want to mine, they’d want to steal The bigger threat is key theft, not 51% attacks.

@lopp Want quantum protection today? Don’t reuse #Bitcoin addresses. ➤ Public keys are only exposed when you spend ➤ Reused addresses = exposed & vulnerable ➤ Taproot exposes keys by default—ironically a step backward Stay one step ahead.

@lopp Lopp’s bigger warning: ➤ Too much #Bitcoin is sitting in centralized custodians ➤ Sovereign use is down, mempools are empty ➤ The thermodynamic security of Bitcoin depends on onchain demand Without it, miner incentives collapse.

@lopp #Bitcoin’s ossification is dangerous. ➤ Protocol change is hard, but apathy is worse ➤ The real risk isn’t quantum computing ➤ It’s the false belief that Bitcoin is done and perfect If we stop evolving, we lose.

@lopp Key Takeaways: ➤ Quantum is far, but we must act early ➤ Migration is harder than it looks ➤ Don’t wait for crisis—coordinate now ➤ Self-custody and address hygiene are crucial ➤ Bitcoin thrives when users stay engaged

@lopp Check out the full episode & more below! ↓ ➤ YouTube 🎥: ➤ Apple 🎙️: ➤ Spotify 🎙️: