Bitcoin quantum resistance: BIP-361 dev proposal
Key Questions
What is BIP-361?
BIP-361 is a Bitcoin developer proposal to freeze quantum-vulnerable legacy addresses. It forces migration of 6.7 million vulnerable BTC over 3-5 years.
Why is quantum resistance needed for Bitcoin?
Google's 2029 quantum threat could break legacy addresses. BIP-361 aims to protect against this.
What is the developer backlash to BIP-361?
Major devs oppose it over sovereignty concerns, fearing forks or ZK solutions instead. It risks coin freezing.
How many BTC are at risk from quantum attacks?
About 6.7 million BTC in vulnerable legacy addresses. Holders must migrate or face freezing.
What alternatives to BIP-361 are discussed?
Potential Bitcoin forks or ZK proofs for quantum resistance. Devs debate without forced measures.
BIP-361 proposes freezing/migrating ~6.7M vulnerable BTC (34% supply) to P2MR by 2028; dev backlash on sovereignty/forks/ZK.
Sources (3)
Updated Apr 16, 2026