The advancement of quantum computing, a topic of global interest, returned to the center of debate with Google's launch of the Willow chip. Despite speculation about the possible impacts on Bitcoin's security, experts assure that the threat is still distant.
Among them, Adam Back, co-founder of Blockstream and 'friend' of Satoshi Nakamoto, was categorical in refuting the concerns.
Last week, Chamath Palihapitiya, engineer and investor, stated that Bitcoin could be vulnerable within two to five years if it does not adopt quantum-resistant security algorithms.
According to Palihapitiya, about 8,000 Willow chips would be needed to compromise the SHA-256 algorithm, which protects the Bitcoin network.
However, Adam Back quickly responded to those statements. On his X social media account, he highlighted that quantum computing is still decades away from the capacity needed to threaten Bitcoin.
According to Back, connecting several 105-qubit chips, like the Willow, does not significantly increase quantum entanglement capacity. He stated that a fully functional quantum machine with 1 million qubits is at least 20 years away.
Quantum computing does not affect Bitcoin
Another point that Back raised is that current quantum computing is 'five orders of magnitude' below the capacity needed to break SHA-256. In other words, this means that current technology is 100,000 times less powerful than what would be necessary to threaten Bitcoin's security.
Moreover, analysts like the pseudonym De Facto Monk reinforce Back's opinion. He explained that creating a machine capable of compromising Bitcoin's private keys would require billions of dollars and technology with millions of entangled qubits. According to him, this is not feasible in the short or medium term.
Despite the general optimism, experts like David Battaglia advocate for the evolution of Bitcoin towards a post-quantum security model in the future. According to Battaglia, although quantum computing is not an immediate risk, technological progress could accelerate.