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Bitcoin venture capitalist Nic Carter has renewed debate over Bitcoin’s long-term security, warning that the network is unprepared for advances in quantum computing.
Carter argued that the greatest risk is not cryptographic failure itself, but how slowly the Bitcoin community responds to emerging threats.
In a detailed post, he said preparation must begin well before the arrival of a cryptographically relevant quantum computer.
Carter pointed to government standards, rising private investment and progress in quantum error correction as signals that timelines may compress.
He reiterated earlier assessments suggesting a credible threat horizon around the mid-2030s.
Carter said Bitcoin’s reliance on elliptic curve cryptography was never meant to be permanent.
He warned that upgrading the protocol would require years of coordination and widespread participation.
Long-dormant coins, including early-era holdings, may never migrate to new security standards, he noted.
Carter said Bitcoin’s biggest weakness is cultural inertia rather than mathematics.
Changing Bitcoin is like steering an aircraft carrier.
Nic Carter said.
He cautioned that treating “not imminent” as “not urgent” could turn preparation into panic.
Carter added that assuming a predictable runway for quantum breakthroughs is historically unrealistic.
Some Bitcoin supporters pushed back, accusing Carter of overstating the threat.
This is too sensationalist and panic inducing.
Zach Herbert said.
Carter rejected that criticism and defended raising the issue publicly.
Denying that there’s a problem is irresponsible.
Nic Carter said.
Bitcoin researcher Eric Wall said the real challenge is community coordination, not technical feasibility.
Wall described quantum risk as a stress test of Bitcoin’s social consensus layer.
Developer Jameson Lopp said quantum computers pose no near-term danger but warned upgrades could take five to ten years.
Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
Jameson Lopp said.
Economist Paul Sztorc criticised what he called complacency among major Bitcoin development groups.
JAN3 chief executive Samson Mow dismissed calls for urgency as emotionally driven.
Philosopher Troy Cross said uncertainty around quantum timelines shapes investor behaviour.
Observers said the debate reflects growing maturity in Bitcoin’s governance culture.
At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $88,285.45.