Bitcoin Devs Float Proposal to Freeze Quantum-Vulnerable Addresses Even Satoshi Nakamotos

A draft proposal by Bitcoin developers suggests freezing Bitcoin in older, less secure addresses to protect against potential quantum computer attacks. This includes coins in addresses used by Satoshi Nakamoto and other early miners, totaling about 1.1 million BTC. The proposal outlines a phased approach: first, banning transfers to these older address formats, then making the coins in those addresses permanently unspendable. A possible later phase involves a way to recover the frozen coins using special proof. The concern is that quantum computers, potentially by 2027, could crack the cryptography protecting these older addresses, allowing attackers to steal the funds. Around 25% of all Bitcoin may be at risk because their public keys have been exposed.