Post
Topic
Board Bitcoin Discussion
Merits 1 from 1 user
Re: Quantum Computing and Satoshi's Bitcoins
by
BitGoba
on 09/07/2025, 09:24:46 UTC
⭐ Merited by Cricktor (1)
Hello everyone,

I know this topic has probably appeared here more times than we would like to count, and I apologize if I am opening another repeated thread, but it is a question that intrigues me and I would like to hear the opinion of the more experienced community.

With the advances in quantum computing and the potential risk that algorithms like ECDSA could eventually be broken, what do you think should be done about old addresses, especially Satoshi's?

Most of his Bitcoins are still in P2PK addresses, that is, vulnerable if someone manages to derive the private key from the public key.

The big question is:
When (or if) this becomes feasible, will the community consider any movement as valid? Or will there be a consensus that, in these cases, it is better to update the protocol and invalidate this type of "quantum theft"?

Or even: would it be better to simply let history take its course, even if that means seeing these BTC being moved?

On the other hand, I think Satoshi was smart, because he left a kind of "canary on top of a bomb" to warn us about the security of the network.

I would like to know your honest opinion and what you think will happen.

Thank you in advance, and again, I apologize if I revived again this discussion.

Quantum computers are just one of many tech hype cycles, and one of the favorite FUD narratives pushed by anti-Bitcoin circles.
Realistically, quantum computers that could pose a real threat are at least 50 years away , and probably even more.

As quantum computers evolve, quantum-resistant cryptography is evolving alongside them, and all major systems  including banks, fiat infrastructures, and of course Bitcoin  will upgrade in time.

With Bitcoin, all users will have plenty of time to migrate to new quantum-resistant addresses.
There will likely be discussions within the community on what to do with addresses that don’t migrate should they be left active or permanently frozen?

My opinion even though most of us probably won’t be alive 50+ years from now s that those addresses should be frozen.
Anyone who wants to protect their coins will have enough time to move them to secure, quantum-resistant wallets before the deadline.
Those who don’t their funds should be frozen forever.