The quantum threat to Bitcoin may be more of a social issue than a technical one, according to Zach Pandl, head of research at Grayscale.
Grayscale Research's analysis of the @Google Quantum AI paper suggests breakthroughs may come in sudden leaps, not gradual steps. That means preparation can’t be delayed.
— Grayscale (@Grayscale) April 6, 2026
The good news:
• Post-quantum cryptography already exists
• Some chains like $SOL and $XRP Ledger are… pic.twitter.com/r5vtnnWCJj
The community has reignited discussions on this topic following a Google study released in late March, which concluded that a quantum computer could break Bitcoin's cryptography using significantly fewer resources than previously thought.
However, Pandl suggested that the real danger to digital gold lies not in a technical solution. He noted that the network is less vulnerable due to its UTXO model, PoW consensus, lack of native smart contracts, and quantum-resistant address types. The challenge is that the community must decide on a path forward.
Three Options for the Bitcoin Community
Supporters of the first cryptocurrency have debated the fate of old coins for years, particularly concerning the approximately 1.7 million BTC still held in early P2PK addresses, about 1 million of which belong to Satoshi Nakamoto.
Pandl believes the community has three options:
- burn the coins;
- intentionally slow their release by limiting the spending rate from vulnerable addresses;
- do nothing.
“All options are conceptually feasible, but the problem lies in reaching a consensus. The Bitcoin community has a rich history of disputes over protocol changes—just think of last year's debates about storing images in blocks,” the expert reminded.
He referred to the conflict that erupted in 2023 over using block space for Ordinals, a technology that allows data like text and images to be inscribed into satoshis.
Two years later, the disputes have quieted, but the opposing sides still hold firm to their views.
Time for Preparation
Pandl urged developers to take action. He agreed with Google researchers that blockchains should transition to post-quantum cryptography now.
“Investors shouldn’t worry just yet. We believe there is currently no threat to the security of public blockchains from quantum computers. However, it’s time to accelerate efforts to prepare for a post-quantum future,” added the head of Grayscale's research.
Developers have already begun transitioning to post-quantum standards:
- Solana is testing quantum-resistant transactions;
- the Ethereum Foundation's research group proposed four key network upgrades;
- BTQ Technologies launched a Bitcoin testnet with quantum protection.
Recall that in March, Alex Thorn, head of research at Galaxy Digital, called the threat of quantum computers hacking the first cryptocurrency exaggerated.