Posted by conduition
Aug 9, 2025/01:33 UTC
The correspondence raises significant concerns over a proposed Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP) addressing the challenges posed by quantum computing to Bitcoin's value and distributed nature. The critique centers on the impracticality of employing legal mechanisms, such as Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures and real-world evidence, to safeguard against quantum threats within a blockchain context. This approach is deemed unscalable and contrary to the decentralized ethos of Bitcoin, highlighting that it would centralize control over a significant portion of the currency's supply to a select few individuals, raising questions about their selection process and the overall feasibility of such a strategy.
Furthermore, the message underscores the ethical dilemmas and practical limitations of integrating KYC measures as a solution to the quantum-rescue problem, labeling the proposal as dead on arrival (DOA). It suggests instead that the focus should shift towards fostering a culture where potential quantum adversaries could be encouraged to act benevolently. This implies exploring non-technical consensus upgrades and establishing legal guidelines for entities with advanced quantum capabilities, like Google or IBM. While acknowledging the difficulty in enforcing such guidelines, the author argues for the necessity of defining acceptable behavior for these quantum giants, thereby ensuring they contribute positively to the ecosystem.
In essence, the email critiques the proposed BIP for its reliance on centralized, legalistic solutions to address quantum vulnerabilities in Bitcoin and advocates for a more inclusive, ethically sound approach that encourages cooperation and responsible action among quantum computing stakeholders.
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