BIP-361 (full name: Post Quantum Migration and Legacy Signature Sunset) is a new Bitcoin improvement draft proposal released on April 14, 2026, by Jameson Lopp et al.
I. Core Purpose
To address the risk of future quantum computers breaking existing Bitcoin signature algorithms (ECDSA/Schnorr).
- Approximately 34% of BTC (≈1.7 million coins) are stored in old addresses with exposed public keys (P2PK, etc.).
- Once quantum computers mature, they can deduce private keys from public keys, allowing direct coin theft.
- BIP-361 forces the entire network to phase out old signatures, compelling users to migrate to quantum-resistant addresses (P2MR proposed by BIP-360).
Phase Two and Three Timeline (After Activation)
Phase A (Year 3)
- Transfers to old addresses are prohibited.
- Transfers out of old addresses are still possible (migration).
- Guiding users to switch to quantum-resistant formats.
Phase B (Year 5)
- Old signatures (ECDSA/Schnorr) become completely invalid.
- Unmigrated coins are permanently frozen (viewable but not spendable).
- Impact: Satoshi Nakamoto addresses, early whales, and existing coins with lost mnemonic phrases.
Phase C (Long-Term)
- Providing a rescue channel using zero-knowledge proofs (ZK). Holders of valid mnemonic phrases can prove ownership and transfer frozen funds.
- Currently only a concept, not yet detailed.
III. Points of Contention
✅ Supporters:
- Prevent massive BTC theft and market crash after a quantum attack
- Use "freezing" to force users to migrate voluntarily
⚠️ Opponents:
- Undermines Bitcoin ownership neutrality: Protocol forcibly freezes legitimate assets
- Permanent loss of assets for unconscious/missing/unaware users
- Sets a precedent for "protocol asset confiscation"
IV. Current Status
- Still a draft, not activated, no consensus reached
- Requires broad agreement from the community, miners, and developers for a soft fork to occur.
#比特币价格走势 $BTC
I. Core Purpose
To address the risk of future quantum computers breaking existing Bitcoin signature algorithms (ECDSA/Schnorr).
- Approximately 34% of BTC (≈1.7 million coins) are stored in old addresses with exposed public keys (P2PK, etc.).
- Once quantum computers mature, they can deduce private keys from public keys, allowing direct coin theft.
- BIP-361 forces the entire network to phase out old signatures, compelling users to migrate to quantum-resistant addresses (P2MR proposed by BIP-360).
Phase Two and Three Timeline (After Activation)
Phase A (Year 3)
- Transfers to old addresses are prohibited.
- Transfers out of old addresses are still possible (migration).
- Guiding users to switch to quantum-resistant formats.
Phase B (Year 5)
- Old signatures (ECDSA/Schnorr) become completely invalid.
- Unmigrated coins are permanently frozen (viewable but not spendable).
- Impact: Satoshi Nakamoto addresses, early whales, and existing coins with lost mnemonic phrases.
Phase C (Long-Term)
- Providing a rescue channel using zero-knowledge proofs (ZK). Holders of valid mnemonic phrases can prove ownership and transfer frozen funds.
- Currently only a concept, not yet detailed.
III. Points of Contention
✅ Supporters:
- Prevent massive BTC theft and market crash after a quantum attack
- Use "freezing" to force users to migrate voluntarily
⚠️ Opponents:
- Undermines Bitcoin ownership neutrality: Protocol forcibly freezes legitimate assets
- Permanent loss of assets for unconscious/missing/unaware users
- Sets a precedent for "protocol asset confiscation"
IV. Current Status
- Still a draft, not activated, no consensus reached
- Requires broad agreement from the community, miners, and developers for a soft fork to occur.
#比特币价格走势 $BTC
