Proposal for Quantum-Resistant Address Migration Protocol (QRAMP) BIP

In a theoretical exploration, the concept of enhancing blockchain security in the face of quantum computing threats is discussed. The proposal suggests a novel approach that involves modifying the blockchain consensus at a specific block height to restrict the movement of pre-quantum, unspent funds using their current, quantum-vulnerable cryptographic mechanisms. This would be accompanied by the introduction of a new transaction type specifically designed to migrate funds from these quantum-unsafe addresses to quantum-safe ones.

The innovative aspect of this proposal hinges on the development of a quantum-safe digital signature mechanism. This mechanism would enable the repurposing of private keys from quantum-vulnerable schemes into ones suitable for a post-quantum landscape. The idea is predicated on leveraging the known hash of a public key to create a quantum-safe signature that implies the knowledge of a secret key, thereby facilitating a secure transition of funds without the risk of theft or illegitimate fund injection back into the supply chain.

Furthermore, the proposal acknowledges the potential complexities and challenges inherent in such a theoretical transition mechanism. It highlights the necessity of this approach to prevent both the unwarranted confiscation of funds and the risks posed by quantum computing capabilities to blockchain security. The method is deemed applicable solely to p2pkh addresses due to their vulnerability to key inversion tactics, with a note on the less controversial nature of confiscating funds belonging primarily to Satoshi due to the historical accumulation of coins in these formats. Despite the absence of detailed references and the informal nature of the communication, the core idea aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on securing blockchain technology against emerging quantum threats.