Google Sets Quantum Computing Deadline, Raising Stakes for Crypto Security

Google has set a deadline of 2029 for its migration to post-quantum cryptography, citing growing risks from quantum computing advances that could compromise current encryption standards. The company's Quantum Migration Plan aims to address two primary threats: 'store-now-decrypt-later' attacks and the future ability of quantum computers to break digital signatures used in authentication.

The announcement adds urgency to a dispute within Bitcoin's developer community, with some advocating for upgrading the network's cryptography and allowing voluntary migration to quantum-resistant signatures. Others argue that any forced change would violate Bitcoin's foundational principle that private keys alone control coins.

Galaxy Digital's research head Alex Thorn noted that not all wallets face equal exposure, stating 'Funds are at risk only when public keys are exposed on-chain.' Michael Saylor predicted that the industry 'would see it coming,' prompting coordinated software upgrades across banking, internet infrastructure, and crypto protocols.