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Feb 2, 2026
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Migrating Bitcoin to post-quantum may 'easily' take 5-10 years: Crypto exec
Jameson Lopp predicts a 5-10 year timeline for Bitcoin's migration to post-quantum standards, highlighting the complexities of the decentralized protocol. The community is divided on the quantum threat, with maximalists advocating caution and VCs calling for immediate action. Concerns about Bitcoin's market performance persist, with warnings of a price drop if no adaptations occur by 2028.
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Bitcoin's transition to post-quantum standards could take 5-10 years, according to Jameson Lopp, a Bitcoin core developer. This timeline reflects the complexities inherent in upgrading a decentralized protocol, which faces unique challenges compared to centralized entities. Lopp, who is also a co-founder of the crypto custody firm Casa, shared insights on the ongoing discourse surrounding quantum computing’s potential impact on Bitcoin. While Lopp concedes that quantum computers pose no immediate threat to Bitcoin, he emphasizes the need for vigilance. He stated on social media, "Quantum computers won't break Bitcoin in the near future. We'll keep observing their evolution. Yet, thoughtful changes to the protocol and an unprecedented migration of funds could take 5 to 10 years." The Bitcoin community is currently divided on the quantum threat. Some Bitcoin maximalists advocate for caution in altering the protocol, fearing that too many changes could undermine its foundational principles. In contrast, venture capitalists argue that the quantum threat is pressing and requires immediate action. This rift highlights the diverse perspectives within the space, as traditionalists and innovators grapple with how to navigate potential risks. Pierre Rochard, a Bitcoin maximalist, shared his thoughts on the financial feasibility of quantum-resistance initiatives, suggesting that non-profits and venture capitalists could support such efforts. He pointed out that the cost of launching an attack on Bitcoin using quantum computers would likely necessitate government intervention, framing it as a collective action problem. Meanwhile, Samson Mow, a Bitcoin investor and CEO of JAN3, expressed skepticism about the capabilities of quantum computers in breaking Bitcoin's security. He noted, "In reality, quantum computers can’t factor the number 21 — not 21 million — 21, without heavy customization to the algorithm." Despite Mow's comments, concerns persist among investors about how the looming quantum threat could affect Bitcoin's market performance. Charles Edwards, founder of the digital asset investment fund Capriole, warned that if Bitcoin does not adapt to quantum readiness by 2028, its price could plummet below $50,000. He urged Bitcoin node operators to consider implementing Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP) 360, which introduces a quantum-ready signature scheme. The discussion around quantum computing and Bitcoin is far from settled. With opinions ranging from alarmist to dismissive, the community's ongoing debates reflect a broader struggle to balance innovation with the preservation of Bitcoin's core tenets. As the technology evolves, so too will the strategies for ensuring Bitcoin’s resilience in the face of potential quantum threats.
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Migrating Bitcoin to post-quantum may 'easily' take 5-10 years: Crypto exec
Dec 23, 2025
Jameson Lopp predicts a 5-10 year timeline for Bitcoin's migration to post-quantum standards, highlighting the complexities of the decentralized protocol. The community is divided on the quantum threat, with maximalists advocating caution and VCs calling for immediate action. Concerns about Bitcoin's market performance persist, with warnings of a price drop if no adaptations occur by 2028.
1

Bitcoin's transition to post-quantum standards could take 5-10 years, according to Jameson Lopp, a Bitcoin core developer. This timeline reflects the complexities inherent in upgrading a decentralized protocol, which faces unique challenges compared to centralized entities. Lopp, who is also a co-founder of the crypto custody firm Casa, shared insights on the ongoing discourse surrounding quantum computing’s potential impact on Bitcoin. While Lopp concedes that quantum computers pose no immediate threat to Bitcoin, he emphasizes the need for vigilance. He stated on social media, "Quantum computers won't break Bitcoin in the near future. We'll keep observing their evolution. Yet, thoughtful changes to the protocol and an unprecedented migration of funds could take 5 to 10 years." The Bitcoin community is currently divided on the quantum threat. Some Bitcoin maximalists advocate for caution in altering the protocol, fearing that too many changes could undermine its foundational principles. In contrast, venture capitalists argue that the quantum threat is pressing and requires immediate action. This rift highlights the diverse perspectives within the space, as traditionalists and innovators grapple with how to navigate potential risks. Pierre Rochard, a Bitcoin maximalist, shared his thoughts on the financial feasibility of quantum-resistance initiatives, suggesting that non-profits and venture capitalists could support such efforts. He pointed out that the cost of launching an attack on Bitcoin using quantum computers would likely necessitate government intervention, framing it as a collective action problem. Meanwhile, Samson Mow, a Bitcoin investor and CEO of JAN3, expressed skepticism about the capabilities of quantum computers in breaking Bitcoin's security. He noted, "In reality, quantum computers can’t factor the number 21 — not 21 million — 21, without heavy customization to the algorithm." Despite Mow's comments, concerns persist among investors about how the looming quantum threat could affect Bitcoin's market performance. Charles Edwards, founder of the digital asset investment fund Capriole, warned that if Bitcoin does not adapt to quantum readiness by 2028, its price could plummet below $50,000. He urged Bitcoin node operators to consider implementing Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP) 360, which introduces a quantum-ready signature scheme. The discussion around quantum computing and Bitcoin is far from settled. With opinions ranging from alarmist to dismissive, the community's ongoing debates reflect a broader struggle to balance innovation with the preservation of Bitcoin's core tenets. As the technology evolves, so too will the strategies for ensuring Bitcoin’s resilience in the face of potential quantum threats.
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