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CryptoMediumUpdated×7•Originally published 19 April 2026•Updated 20 April 2026•

1 min read

BIP-361 Proposal Aims to Freeze 6 Million BTC to Counter Quantum Threats

Golden Bitcoin coins and wallets in front of the US Capitol building and American flag, with an upward trend graph.

Key Facts

1Researchers propose a phased plan to restrict and eventually freeze quantum-vulnerable funds, potentially affecting over 6 million BTC.

about 1 month ago

Version History

Version 7about 1 month ago

What changed: The story was updated to include specific technical implementation plans by Ripple to protect the XRP Ledger from quantum computing threats.

Version 6about 1 month ago

What changed: The narrative was expanded to include the strategic divergence and widening security gap between Bitcoin and Ethereum regarding long-term cryptographic risks.

Version 5about 2 months ago

What changed: Added a comparative risk assessment from an XRP Ledger validator suggesting Bitcoin's higher relative vulnerability to quantum threats.

Version 4about 2 months ago

What changed: The story was updated to include warnings from physicists that quantum computing breakthroughs are accelerating faster than expected, increasing the perceived urgency regarding Bitcoin's cryptographic security.

Version 3about 2 months ago

What changed: Updated the story to include Adam Back's response to Google's 2029 timeline and his emphasis on the sufficiency of current protocol upgrades.

Version 2about 2 months ago

What changed: The story was expanded to include the debate between Adam Back and Nic Carter regarding the 2029 quantum deadline and Bitcoin's software adaptability.

Version 1about 2 months ago

What changed: BitMEX Research proposed a 'Canary Address' as a reactive trigger for freezing funds instead of the proactive phased freeze outlined in BIP-361.

Debates over securing the Bitcoin network are intensifying with the BIP-361 proposal, which suggests a phased freeze of 6 million BTC by 2026 to counter quantum threats. A significant shift is emerging as major networks adopt divergent strategies, with Ripple now implementing specific technical plans to protect the XRP Ledger from quantum computing risks. This proactive move by Ripple adds a new dimension to the security gap between Bitcoin and other leading blockchain protocols. While figures like Adam Back advocate for existing protocol adaptability, insights from XRP Ledger validator Vet suggest that Bitcoin's legacy structure may face higher exposure. These developments underscore a growing industry divide regarding asset freezing versus structural cryptographic upgrades. Market participants remain focused on how these diverging security philosophies will impact long-term network stability and institutional confidence in digital assets.