Bitcoin BIP: Post-Quantum Migration and Legacy Sunset
Casa co-founder Jameson Lopp, Christian Papathanasiou and other cryptographers on July 14 published a draft Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP) called “Post-Quantum Migration and Legacy Signature Sunset” on GitHub. The plan uses the new P2QRH output type and rolls out in three phases: Phase A (three years after activation) bans funding to quantum-vulnerable addresses; Phase B (two years later) rejects ECDSA and Schnorr transactions, freezing legacy outputs; Phase C explores fund recovery via zero-knowledge proofs. According to McKinsey, threat-level quantum computers may emerge by 2027–2030, putting roughly 25–30% of BTC (about five million coins, including exposed Satoshi addresses) at risk. By prohibiting transactions to vulnerable addresses, the BIP forces migration to quantum-secure scripts. It aims to overcome upgrade inertia among wallets, exchanges and custodians. If adopted, this migration would surpass SegWit and Taproot in scale, strengthening Bitcoin’s long-term security against quantum threats.
Neutral
This BIP addresses a critical long-term threat to Bitcoin from quantum computing by outlining a structured migration to post-quantum signature schemes. In the short term, the proposal is unlikely to affect trading as activation is years away and migration is phased. Over the long term, enforcing quantum-safe scripts could strengthen network security and investor confidence, which is positive for Bitcoin’s market stability. However, the complexity and coordination required may slow adoption, limiting immediate price impact. Overall, the news supports Bitcoin’s resilience without triggering major market moves, so its impact is neutral.