Odaily Planet Daily reports that stablecoin issuer Circle says its upcoming Layer 1 network, Arc, is being designed with quantum resistance as a core objective, emphasizing that long-term cryptographic security has become a "baseline requirement" for financial infrastructure. The "Q-Day"—the tipping point at which quantum computing can break public-key cryptography—could arrive before 2030, or even sooner. Meanwhile, attackers have already begun collecting data in advance, intending to decrypt it once quantum computing becomes viable, revealing potential risks ahead of time.
The Arc testnet launched in October 2025, with the mainnet expected to launch this year. Upon launch, it will support post-quantum signature schemes, allowing users to create post-quantum wallets (optional). Future updates will expand to include transaction privacy features, such as encryption of balances, recipient addresses, and transaction data.
In the long term, Arc also plans to introduce quantum-resistant mechanisms at the level of validator node authentication and network infrastructure to build a comprehensive protection system. Circle stated that Arc aims to provide developers and institutions with a practical pathway to transition smoothly into the post-quantum era, rather than remaining theoretical. (The Block)