BitMEX Research has proposed a “canary” system to protect Bitcoin from quantum computing threats without triggering a premature network-wide freeze.
The proposal challenges BIP-361, which suggests restricting and eventually freezing quantum-vulnerable coins over a five-year period, a plan critics say undermines Bitcoin’s censorship-resistant design.
Instead, the canary model would only activate a freeze if there is on-chain proof that a quantum computer capable of breaking cryptography exists.
This proof would come from a special Bitcoin address with no known private key, where any successful transaction would signal a quantum breakthrough.
The proposal also introduces a “canary fund,” encouraging users to deposit BTC as a bounty to incentivise disclosure of quantum capabilities.
BitMEX warns the system carries risks, including whether the bounty would be large enough to attract disclosure instead of malicious use.
The idea highlights ongoing debate over how Bitcoin should balance security upgrades with its core principles as quantum computing evolves.
At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $74,463.75.