Stacks founder warns quantum fears limit Bitcoin growth

Muneeb Ali, founder of Stacks, stated that fears about quantum computing are already limiting Bitcoin's growth. He warned that uncertainty over the asset's quantum security could deter institutional investors. Ali argued that risk-averse investors might delay large purchases until a credible path toward quantum-resistant security is established. He suggested that disagreements over the urgency of the threat could undermine confidence without a clear upgrade roadmap.

Ali cited 2030 as the target for transitioning to quantum-resistant security based on guidance from the US National Institute of Standards and Technology. He warned that Bitcoin could enter a riskier period if developers fail to make meaningful progress by 2028. Ali suggested that advances in artificial intelligence could accelerate quantum computer development, potentially bringing the deadline forward to 2029. He stated that a sufficiently powerful quantum computer would more likely emerge from a major research laboratory than an unknown attacker.

StarkWare reported in September that researchers reduced the estimated computing cost of preparing an experimental quantum-resistant Bitcoin transaction by 79%. The company described its technology as a last-resort measure and advocates for a protocol-level upgrade as a longer-term solution. Ali warned that a quantum security threat would affect the broader cryptocurrency industry.