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Experts Debate Bitcoin's Quantum Threat and Legal Risks

11/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Adam Back, co-founder of Blockstream, says the threat of quantum computers breaking Bitcoin's cryptography is exaggerated and that the technology is 20–40 years away.
Back adds that Bitcoin can adopt quantum-resistant algorithms over time to maintain security.
Nick Szabo, cryptographer, warns of legal vulnerabilities in cryptocurrencies and risks from government interventions.
The debate continues over the implications of recent updates to Bitcoin Core.

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Story summary

Adam Back, co-founder of Blockstream, says the threat of quantum computers breaking Bitcoin's cryptography is exaggerated and that the technology is 20–40 years away.
Back adds that Bitcoin can adopt quantum-resistant algorithms over time to maintain security.
Nick Szabo, cryptographer, warns of legal vulnerabilities in cryptocurrencies and risks from government interventions.
The debate continues over the implications of recent updates to Bitcoin Core.