CEO of Blockstream Adam Buck Concerns that quantum computing poses an imminent threat to Bitcoin’s cryptographic security have been dismissed, arguing that current progress in the field is still far from the level required to break encryption in the real world.
Talk about that interview With Bloomberg, Buck noted that much of today’s quantitative research is still in its early experimental phase. He pointed to the limited capabilities of existing quantum devices, which often lack complete error correction and only demonstrate trivial computations. “The biggest calculation that’s ever done is factoring 21 into 7 times 3,” he said, stressing that today’s machines remain closer to laboratory prototypes than practical computing systems.
While recent academic work has highlighted potential algorithmic improvements, Buck argues that these advances do not yet translate into meaningful capability in hardware.
As a result, he said the possibility of quantum computers capable of compromising Bitcoin’s elliptic curve cryptography remains “decades away,” though he acknowledged uncertainty about exact timelines.
Earlier today, it was Adam Back His name by The New York Times as the most credible candidate for Satoshi Nakamoto based on stylistic analysis of early cypherpunk writings, but Buck and other experts have strongly denied this claim, stating that there is no conclusive evidence linking him to the creation of Bitcoin.
Bitcoin must prepare for the risks of quantum computing
Despite this long horizon, Buck emphasized that the Bitcoin ecosystem should start preparing now. He called for a gradual migration path towards Quantum resistance Signing systems, giving users and custodians ample time to update keys and infrastructure without interruption.
He noted that Blockstream’s research team is actively working on post-quantum methods and has already contributed to applications for Liquid, Bitcoin’s layer 2 network that has historically served as a testing ground for new features.
Raja also pointed to recent progress in standardization efforts, pointing to the National Institute of Standards and Technology consent For post-quantum encryption standards in late 2024 as a key milestone that could accelerate industry adoption.
Beyond quantum computing, Pak dismissed concerns that artificial intelligence or artificial general intelligence poses structural risks to Bitcoin, describing AI instead as a productivity tool that can help researchers and engineers rather than endanger cryptosystems.
Turning to Bitcoin’s global role, Buck described the asset as best understood as “digital gold,” which coexists alongside national monetary systems rather than replacing them. He pointed to ongoing sovereign interest in Bitcoin, including discussions around national reserves and monetary frameworks in countries like El Salvador, as evidence of gradual institutional adoption. He also pointed to discussions in Switzerland about monetary reform and the historical appeal of gold-backed standards.
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