Paradigm Researcher Proposes PACTs to Defend Dormant Bitcoin From Quantum Computing Threat

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Paradigm’s Dan Robinson proposed PACTs on Might 1, 2026, providing bitcoin holders a free, personal approach to timestamp tackle management earlier than quantum threats arrive. Over 1.1 million BTC value roughly $75 billion in Satoshi-linked wallets face publicity if cryptographically related quantum computer systems emerge. PACTs require no Bitcoin fork immediately however want future STARK verification help and group consensus to activate a rescue path. Bitcoin Holders Achieve Silent Escape Hatch as Paradigm Targets Quantum Vulnerability The proposal, titled Provable Deal with-Management Timestamps (PACTs), outlines a three-step technique utilizing current Bitcoin instruments to timestamp cryptographic proof of pockets possession. No onchain transaction is required. No public sign is broadcast. The holder shops a secret salt, a BIP-322 message signature, and an OpenTimestamps proof file, then waits.

Dan Robinson, a common accomplice and researcher on the crypto enterprise fund Paradigm, framed the proposal as a hedge in opposition to a selected dilemma dealing with Bitcoin . If cryptographically related quantum computer systems (CRQCs) arrive earlier than the protocol adapts, addresses with uncovered public keys change into weak to theft. If Bitcoin rushes a sundown gentle fork to freeze these addresses, dormant holders face a compelled, public coin migration.

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-811141 size-full" title="Paradigm Researcher Proposes PACTs to Shield Dormant Bitcoin From Quantum Computing Risk" src="https://static.news.bitcoin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/screenshot-2026-05-02-at-8-26-23-am_nwmk.png" alt="Paradigm Researcher Proposes PACTs to Shield Dormant Bitcoin From Quantum Computing Risk" width="1402" height="504" srcset="https://static.news.bitcoin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/screenshot-2026-05-02-at-8-26-23-am_nwmk-300x108.png 300w, https://static.news.bitcoin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/screenshot-2026-05-02-at-8-26-23-am_nwmk-1024x368.png 1024w, https://static.news.bitcoin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/screenshot-2026-05-02-at-8-26-23-am_nwmk-768x276.png 768w, https://static.news.bitcoin.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/screenshot-2026-05-02-at-8-26-23-am_nwmk.png 1402w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1402px) 100vw, 1402px"/> Picture supply: X For wallets believed to belong to Satoshi Nakamoto, that migration would reveal whether or not the pseudonymous creator is alive, energetic, and nonetheless holding keys. Researchers estimate these wallets maintain roughly 1.1 million BTC , value greater than $75 billion at present costs.

PACTs supply a 3rd path. A holder generates a 256-bit secret salt and makes use of BIP-322 full message signing to show management of a weak scriptPubKey. The ensuing dedication hash is then timestamped by way of OpenTimestamps, which batches hashes right into a Merkle tree and embeds the basis in a Bitcoin OP_RETURN output. The method prices nothing and divulges nothing publicly.

Robinson described OpenTimestamps as a free, trustless Bitcoin-based timestamping service. The system was doable, he famous, as a result of Satoshi himself designed Bitcoin as a distributed timestamp server within the 2008 white paper.

If Bitcoin later implements a sundown gentle fork, a PACT holder might submit a STARK zero-knowledge proof exhibiting they knew the salt and management proof earlier than a cutoff date established previous to CRQC functionality. The rescue transaction could be certain to forestall replay. The underlying keys and salt would keep hidden.

The proposal builds on draft BIP-361, which addresses quantum-vulnerable legacy addresses, and references Jeremy Rubin‘s earlier discussion board discussions on comparable ideas. Robinson acknowledged the design is illustrative and desires overview from cryptographers, Bitcoin builders, and the broader group.

Dangers are actual. Bitcoin could by no means implement a quantum sundown. Even when it does, this particular rescue path is probably not included. Robinson stated holders mustn't rely solely on PACTs till a rescue protocol clears consensus. Nonetheless, he argued the price of creating one is low sufficient to justify appearing as soon as a regular format is agreed upon.

The proposal doesn't prolong cleanly to multisig wallets, complicated scripts, or custodial accounts. These instances require further standardization work.

Bitcoin builders and quantum researchers on X responded rapidly after publication. Dialogue centered on STARK integration timelines, the feasibility of a gentle fork including zero-knowledge proof verification, and whether or not the privateness protections would maintain in follow.

Robinson said that adopting a PACT normal now would give long-term holders most time to safe their cash earlier than any emergency fork. The tougher choices, together with whether or not a quantum sundown is warranted in any respect, can wait.

Robinson credited Eli Ben-Sasson, Jameson Lopp, Neha Narula, Nic Carter, and others within the acknowledgments.

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Paradigm Researcher Proposes PACTs to Defend Dormant Bitcoin From Quantum Computing Threat

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