Cardano Founder Charles Hoskinson Slams Blockstream Quantum Strategy

TLDR

• Charles Hoskinson criticized Blockstream’s conservative approach to Bitcoin’s quantum upgrade strategy.
• He mocked the hash-based signature proposal and summarized his view with the phrase “Never Change Bitcoin.”
• Jonas Nick presented SHRINCS and SHRIMPS as practical post-quantum solutions at the OPNEXT 2026 conference.
• Developers estimate that around 1.7 million BTC in early wallets could face quantum exposure.
• Jameson Lopp and other contributors introduced BIP-361 to strengthen Bitcoin’s defenses against future quantum threats.

Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson criticized Blockstream’s conservative plan to address Bitcoin’s quantum risks. He targeted proposals backed by Adam Back and Jonas Nick during a public debate. He argued that Bitcoin developers prefer minimal changes over broader cryptographic upgrades.

Charles Hoskinson Challenges Bitcoin’s Hash-Based Upgrade Path

Charles Hoskinson criticized Adam Back for supporting a limited upgrade strategy for Bitcoin. He responded to proposals that favor hash-based post-quantum signature systems such as SHRINCS and SHRIMPS. He described the approach as restrictive and questioned its long-term flexibility.

He mocked the proposal and linked it to Bitcoin’s conservative culture. He summarized his view with the phrase “Never Change Bitcoin.” He argued that developers chose the least expressive option for post-quantum security.

Jonas Nick presented the proposal at the OPNEXT 2026 Bitcoin scaling conference. He explained that hash-based signatures offer security using established hash functions. He said the design reduces new cryptographic assumptions and eases implementation.

He also described statefulness as a design element that improves efficiency. He said developers can balance efficiency, security, and protocol complexity. He framed the proposal as a practical path for Bitcoin’s upgrade process.

Hoskinson rejected that framing and argued for more expressive cryptographic systems. He said such systems can support advanced validation logic and programmability. He contrasted that vision with Bitcoin’s preference for simpler transaction signing.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP Debate Quantum Exposure

The wider crypto industry continues to assess quantum risks to existing cryptography. Developers across Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP discuss potential vulnerabilities in public key systems. Research teams study how future quantum machines might affect current encryption.

Recent research from Google suggested that future quantum computers may need fewer resources than expected. That finding renewed discussions about network readiness. Developers responded with proposals to strengthen cryptographic defenses.

Estimates show that about 1.7 million BTC sit in early Pay-to-Public-Key wallets. Those wallets expose public keys and may face quantum threats. Developers identified those holdings as part of the risk assessment.

Jameson Lopp and other contributors introduced BIP-361 to address these concerns. The proposal outlines steps to prepare Bitcoin for quantum-era threats. It focuses on strengthening signature schemes and migration strategies.

Blockstream researchers continue to advocate hash-based systems for Bitcoin. They argue that these systems rely on well-understood hash functions. They also emphasize compatibility with Bitcoin’s existing architecture.

Hoskinson maintained his criticism and repeated his stance on conservative development. He stated that Bitcoin developers prioritize stability over expanded functionality. The debate continues as conferences and proposals shape future discussions.

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