ChainCatcher reports: Muneeb Ali, co-founder of Stacks, a Bitcoin Layer 2 network designed to bring smart contracts and decentralized applications to Bitcoin, stated on Cointelegraph’s Chain Reaction podcast that concerns surrounding quantum computing are suppressing institutional capital from entering Bitcoin. He argued that the network needs a credible roadmap for security upgrades to restore investor confidence, noting that “quantum concerns have capped Bitcoin’s growth potential.” He believes this uncertainty may prompt risk-averse institutional investors to delay large purchases until developers present a clear path toward quantum-resistant security. Ali warned that if developers fail to make substantial progress on quantum resistance by 2028, Bitcoin could enter a riskier phase. He emphasized that upgrades typically take years to implement, and additional time is required for users to migrate their assets to new addresses. Citing guidelines from the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Ali identified 2030 as the target date for transitioning to quantum-resistant security, but suggested that advances in artificial intelligence could accelerate quantum computer development, potentially bringing that timeline forward to 2029. Ali acknowledged that some Bitcoin supporters believe the quantum threat is distant and overstated, but he argued that the very disagreement over the urgency of the threat—without a credible upgrade roadmap—undermines investor confidence. He also noted that sufficiently powerful quantum computers are more likely to emerge from major research labs than from unknown attackers; companies like Google and Microsoft have no incentive to steal Bitcoin. However, the quantum security threat would impact the entire crypto industry: “If Bitcoin is hit, every downstream project will be hit.” Developers are currently exploring protective solutions. In September, StarkWare reported that after a week-long optimization challenge, researchers reduced the computational cost of preparing an experimental quantum-resistant Bitcoin transaction by 79%. This approach does not require changes to Bitcoin’s consensus rules, but the cost reduction has so far only been validated in benchmark tests.
Stacks Founder Warns Quantum Threats May Limit Bitcoin Growth Before 2028
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Summary
Bitcoin news emerged as Stacks co-founder Muneeb Ali warned that quantum threats could cap Bitcoin’s growth before 2028. He noted that institutional hesitation stems from quantum risks, emphasizing the need for a clear upgrade plan. Without progress, Bitcoin faces increased risk. NIST’s 2030 timeline and AI-driven quantum advances add urgency. StarkWare recently reduced quantum-resistant Bitcoin transaction costs by 79%, signaling potential for ecosystem growth.
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