Bitcoin developers are seriously taking on protection against quantum threats
The updated version of BIP 360 has just been merged into the official Bitcoin BIPs repository! The proposal introduces a new type of output — Pay to Merkle Root (P2MR). This is essentially Taproot, but without the vulnerable quantum key-path that can be broken with long exposure of the public key.
Main changes and features:
• Completely removes key-path spend from Taproot → no public key in the address → protection against long-exposure quantum attacks
• Preserves all the power of Tapscript and script trees (optional at the spending stage)
• Lays the foundation for future post-quantum signatures
• Implemented as a soft fork → old Taproot outputs remain fully functional and unbroken
• The text of the BIP has become much clearer and more accessible thanks to co-author Isabel Foxen Duke, who has worked hard on clarity for everyone, not just core developers. This is an important first step to ensure Bitcoin remains reliable even in the era of crypto-relevant quantum computers. For now, this is just a new optional type of address — for maximum protection, funds will need to be transferred to P2MR addresses in the future.
For those following the topic of quantum resistance — this is definitely worth attention.
The updated version of BIP 360 has just been merged into the official Bitcoin BIPs repository! The proposal introduces a new type of output — Pay to Merkle Root (P2MR). This is essentially Taproot, but without the vulnerable quantum key-path that can be broken with long exposure of the public key.
Main changes and features:
• Completely removes key-path spend from Taproot → no public key in the address → protection against long-exposure quantum attacks
• Preserves all the power of Tapscript and script trees (optional at the spending stage)
• Lays the foundation for future post-quantum signatures
• Implemented as a soft fork → old Taproot outputs remain fully functional and unbroken
• The text of the BIP has become much clearer and more accessible thanks to co-author Isabel Foxen Duke, who has worked hard on clarity for everyone, not just core developers. This is an important first step to ensure Bitcoin remains reliable even in the era of crypto-relevant quantum computers. For now, this is just a new optional type of address — for maximum protection, funds will need to be transferred to P2MR addresses in the future.
For those following the topic of quantum resistance — this is definitely worth attention.