Post-Quantum commit / reveal Fawkescoin variant as a soft fork

A proposed method to address this concern involves a commit/reveal scheme designed to secure Bitcoin transactions against potential quantum computer attacks. This approach is aimed at protecting users' funds by introducing a system where a wallet, potentially compromised by quantum capabilities, would execute a "commitment transaction" followed by a "reveal transaction," thereby moving the funds to a new, quantum-resistant script. This process is intended for wallets finding themselves suddenly vulnerable to quantum threats, ensuring that Bitcoin transactions remain secure and mostly unchanged for everyday use.

The conversation also touched upon the possibility of incorporating future quantum-resistant (QR) signing algorithms into Bitcoin's existing architecture, like adding a new opcode to tapscript to facilitate QR signing. This would necessitate the creation of a new address type capable of handling both current EC opcodes and future QR algorithms, suggesting a complex yet forward-looking amendment to Bitcoin's security framework. However, concerns were raised regarding the practicality of such solutions, including the necessity of commitments being visible on-chain to prevent duplication and ensure the integrity of the commitment process. This visibility requirement could hinder the aggregation of commitments, thus raising scalability issues.

Another perspective highlighted the potential limitations of Bitcoin as a monetary network if it requires out-of-band payments to validate transactions. The critique suggests that relying on external mechanisms could compromise Bitcoin's self-sufficiency and undermine its foundational principles as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system. This sentiment underscores the importance of developing solutions that maintain Bitcoin's autonomy and inherent value as a decentralized financial system.

Furthermore, the discussion ventured into technical specifics concerning the structure and security of commit/reveal schemes. It addressed potential vulnerabilities to quantum attacks, especially during the reveal phase, and suggested alternatives like Pedersen commitments for their hiding properties, despite their susceptibility to quantum decryption. The discourse reflects a proactive approach to ensuring Bitcoin's resilience against evolving technological threats, emphasizing the need for a secure, quantum-resistant framework that adheres to the cryptocurrency's core objectives and design principles.

In summary, the ongoing dialogue among Bitcoin developers illustrates a concerted effort to preemptively address the challenges posed by quantum computing. By exploring various strategies, from commit/reveal protocols to the integration of quantum-resistant algorithms, the community aims to fortify Bitcoin's security infrastructure for the future. These discussions highlight the critical balance between innovation and pragmatism, striving to protect the cryptocurrency against potential threats while preserving its fundamental characteristics and utility.