- Draft BIP-361 targets 1.7M BTC in legacy wallets, proposing phased migration to quantum-resistant addresses over time.
- Plan blocks new legacy transactions first, then freezes remaining funds, with possible ZK recovery still under discussion.
- Critics warn of forced upgrades and loss of access, while developers cite quantum risks projected between 2027 and 2030.
Bitcoin developers led by Jameson Lopp proposed freezing quantum-vulnerable addresses this week through draft BIP-361, aiming to protect funds from future quantum attacks. The plan, shared Tuesday on GitHub, targets older wallet types holding roughly 1.7 million BTC, including early holdings linked to Satoshi-era addresses. Developers outlined a phased upgrade path to shift users toward quantum-resistant wallets.
Proposal Outlines Phased Migration Plan
The proposal builds on earlier work under BIP-360, which introduced a new output type called Pay-to-Merkle-Root. This structure removes exposed public key paths found in older Bitcoin addresses. As a result, developers aim to reduce risks tied to quantum computing advances.
The first phase would block new transactions to older wallet types. This step encourages users to migrate funds to updated addresses. However, the second phase introduces stricter enforcement after a set period.
At that stage, wallets using legacy signatures would lose the ability to send Bitcoin. As a result, any remaining funds in those addresses would become effectively frozen. A third phase, still under discussion, may allow recovery through zero-knowledge proof mechanisms.
Concerns Rise Over Quantum Threat Timeline
Developers cite projections placing viable quantum threats between 2027 and 2030. At the same time, estimates suggest about 34% of Bitcoin’s supply remains exposed. According to the proposal, such vulnerabilities may not show immediately during an attack.
Because of this, developers argue early action reduces long-term risk. They also state that a defined timeline helps exchanges and institutions prepare upgrades. Meanwhile, Blockstream Research has already tested post-quantum transactions on a live Bitcoin sidechain.
Community Pushback and Key Concerns
However, the proposal has drawn criticism across the Bitcoin community. Some users argue forced upgrades conflict with Bitcoin’s core principles. Notably, critics warn the plan could render valid holdings permanently unusable.
Bitcoin developer Mark Erhardt shared the proposal, which led to the debate. Some responses described the approach as overly restrictive and confiscatory. Meanwhile, Jameson Lopp clarified the draft remains an early-stage concept requiring further research and consensus.
