Quantum Computing Might Impact Satoshi Nakamoto’s Bitcoin Holdings, Tether CEO Warns

2025-02-10 10:56:56 Primitive Reading

From beincrypto by Oluwapelumi Adejumo

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino has dismissed concerns that quantum computing poses an immediate risk to Bitcoin’s security.

His remarks follow reports that Google anticipates commercial quantum computing applications could emerge within the next five years.

Quantum Computing Might Allow Lost BTC to Reenter Circulation

In a February 8 post on X, Ardoino reassured the community that Bitcoin’s cryptographic security remains intact. He stated that quantum computing is still far from posing a meaningful threat and that Bitcoin would adopt quantum-resistant solutions before the technology becomes a serious concern.

However, he pointed out that if quantum technology advances significantly, inactive Bitcoin wallets—particularly those belonging to lost keys or deceased owners—could face exposure.

This includes wallets believed to contain the estimated 1.2 million BTC linked to Bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto.

“Any Bitcoin in lost wallets, including Satoshi (if not alive), will be hacked and put back in circulation,” the Tether CEO said.

Total Number of Lost Bitcoin. Source: Chainalysis

Despite this, Ardoino dismissed concerns that quantum computing could disrupt Bitcoin’s fundamental monetary structure. He emphasized that Bitcoin’s supply cap of 21 million will remain unchanged, irrespective of technological advances.

“Only 21 million Bitcoin anyway. Nothing can change that. Not even quantum computing. That’s the real key important message,” Ardoino added.

Ardoino’s stance aligns with that of Emin Gün Sirer, co-founder of Ava Labs. Sirer previously pointed out that early Bitcoin transactions used a now-outdated Pay-to-Public-Key (P2PK) format.

This method exposes public keys, making them potentially vulnerable to quantum attacks.

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