Crypto entrepreneur Nic Carter has called on Bitcoin developers to accelerate work on quantum resistance, warning the network could fall behind Ethereum, which already has a post-quantum roadmap.
At the core of Bitcoin security is Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC). It allows users to generate a public address from a private key using mathematical operations on a curve, ensuring transactions remain secure.
However, concerns are growing that future quantum computers could break ECC. The Bitcoin community remains divided on how to respond—some support upgrading to quantum-resistant cryptography, while others argue that such changes could undermine Bitcoin’s foundational principles.
Carter, a founding partner at Castle Island Ventures, warned that ECC is nearing the end of its lifespan. “Elliptic curve cryptography is on the brink of obsolescence,” he said, adding that whether it takes three or ten years, the shift away from it is inevitable.
“The only thing that matters is how quickly blockchain developers recognize that they need to bake in cryptographic mutability into their networks.”
Nic Carter argued that addressing the quantum threat will require an “entire reimagining” of current systems, noting that today’s cryptography is deeply hardcoded and will ultimately need to change.
Meanwhile, ARK Invest said in a March 11 report that roughly one-third of all Bitcoin could be exposed to quantum risks, though it emphasized that the threat remains a long-term concern.
Carter also pointed out that Ethereum may have an edge, as its developers are already tackling the issue. He noted the formation of a dedicated security team and highlighted a detailed post-quantum roadmap targeting 2029, which has been set as a top strategic priority.
“ETH people have already figured this out. Everyone else seems to be petrified in fear. Unless something changes quickly, ETHBTC will start to reflect the divergence in prioritization.”
Vitalik Buterin said in late February that key components of Ethereum—including validator signatures, data storage, accounts, and cryptographic proofs—will need to evolve to address potential quantum threats. He also outlined a proposed roadmap aimed at achieving quantum resistance.
Nic Carter has previously argued on X that Bitcoin Core developers have overlooked quantum-focused proposals such as BIP-360. In a recent thread, he intensified his criticism, accusing developers of taking a “worst in class approach” and dismissing concerns by deflecting, gatekeeping, and avoiding meaningful engagement with community feedback.
However, Ethan Heilman, a co-author of BIP-360, pushed back in February, saying that core contributors have actively engaged with the proposal and noting that it has attracted more discussion than any other Bitcoin Improvement Proposal to date.
At the same time, Google has highlighted the growing urgency of the issue, announcing a 2029 deadline to transition to post-quantum cryptography. The company warned that quantum computing could pose a “significant threat” to current cryptographic standards—particularly encryption and digital signatures.
