Adam Back, the co-founder of Blockstream,is challenging the idea that quantum computing poses an immediate threat to Bitcoin. His defense comes after StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson raised concerns about the network's long-term security.
The Technical Divide Between StarkWare and Blockstream
The debate over Bitcoin's quantum resilience has intensified following comments made by StarkWare CEO Eli Ben-Sasson to journalist Pete Rizzo.. Ben-Sasson suggested that advanced computing power could eventually compromise the network, a sentiment that Adam Back has publicly dismissed as being significantly overstated .
This disagreement highlights a fundamental technical distinction between different types of cryptography. As the report states, while quantum computers running Shor's algorithm can potentially break asymmetric cryptography like ECDSA and Schnorr signatures, they are largely ineffective against the hash-based security measures that underpin Bitcoin. Adam Back pointed out that even StarkWare's own STARK technology relies on these same cryptographic hash functions for its security.
Testing the SHRINCS Protocol on the Liquid Sidechain
The Bitcoin technical community is currently working on the SHRINCS protocol to provide a robust post-quantum solution. According to the source, Blockstream developers have already published an official draft Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP) to facilitate this transition. To ensure the protocol is stable, it is currently undergoing rigorous stress tests on the Liquid sidechain, with this testing phase expected to continue through late 2026.
Scaling Beyond 64-Byte Schnorr Key Limitations
A significant concern for Bitcoin skeptics is that quantum-resistant signatures are much larger than the standard 64-byte Schnorr keys used today. Critics argue that this increased data volume could lead to blockchain bloat and significantly higher transaction fees for users. However, Adam Back suggests that infrastructure scaling can mitigate these issues.
Blockstream's approach involves using batch verification methods and STARK hash proofs to manage these larger data requirements. By utilizing these technologies, the network could potentially combine thousands of signatures into a single,compact package. This method aims to maintain high transaction speeds and network utility even as the security protocols become more complex.
The Missing Consensus on the Blockstream BIP
While technical testing is moving forward, several critical questions remain regarding the actual implementation of these defenses. It is currently unknown how Bitcoin Core developers will coordinate the integration of the SHRINCS protocol into the mainnet without causing network disruption.. Furthermore, the source does not clarify if there is a broad consensus among the wider Bitcoin community regarding the specific Bitcoin Improvement Proposal drafted by Blockstream, or if alternative post-quantum standards are being considered.
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