Changpeng Zhao Discusses Bitcoin's Quantum Computing Threat and Three Possible Community Responses

ME News reports that on June 20 (UTC+8), Zhao Changpeng (CZ) shared an interview video on X, discussing the potential impact of quantum computing on Bitcoin’s cryptographic system, including the threat to Satoshi Nakamoto’s Bitcoin holdings. If future quantum attacks compromise the existing cryptographic framework, the community may face three possible options: First, “do nothing,” allowing attackers to naturally transfer the affected assets and create selling pressure, which could ultimately lead to a reallocation within the community; Second, freeze or restrict access to the relevant addresses, with the hypothetical return of assets under verifiable identity conditions—but CZ notes that this path presents technical and trust challenges once cryptography is broken; Third, intermediate solutions such as “slowing or delaying transfers,” though these also involve significant implementation complexity. CZ also proposed a compromise: establish a time window—such as six to twelve months—via community governance. If funds in these early addresses remain unmoved by then, lock them permanently through a network fork or protocol upgrade, removing them from circulation and preventing future mass thefts that could trigger market-disrupting sell-offs. He emphasized that such decisions must be made through community voting and acknowledged that no perfect solution exists today—but “doing nothing may become the worst outcome in the future.” Therefore, mechanisms should be designed in advance to mitigate potential quantum risks. (Source: ChainCatcher)