CoinDesk Podcast Network

The Blockspace Pod: Quantum: The Next Battleground For Bitcoin

Is Bitcoin quantum ready or is it just more FUD? We dive into the technical and social battles between developers and investors over the coming quantum threat, exploring the Factor 21 meme and the high-stakes game theory of post-quantum migration.

Feb 7, 2026
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ABOUT

Brandon Black, Alex Pruden, Nic Carter, and GG join us to talk about whether Bitcoin is prepared for the quantum era. We explore the technical divide between developers who see quantum as a distant concern and investors who fear an unaddressed existential risk. From the Factor 21 meme to the trade-offs of post-quantum signatures like Sphinx and SLH-DSA, we break down the spicy debate that could lead to Bitcoin's most heated internal battle yet and what it means for the future of the network.

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Notes:

* Quantum computers struggle to factor 21.

* Bitcoin requires 256-bit factoring security.

* Post-quantum signatures decrease throughput.

* PQ signatures could force much larger blocks.

Timestamps:

00:00 Start

00:58 Quantum: Fear or foreshadowing

05:17 Pumping your bags

08:01 The "appearance" of a plan

13:32 Current activity

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