> If the network is not updated to be post-quantum, the attackers can just go for the funds elsewhere
.This assumes that quantum computing speedup for classical computing is feasible and finite-energy for classically interprable results, which has not been proven or demonstrated > The counterargument is that a discovery can be made by a lab that’s not interested in stealing. Yes, and this bounty would not be stealing, so labs can freely do this legally. > The bounty is already there, it’s the network itself, pre- or post-quantum. This is a canary bounty with a weaker key, presumably it will be unlocked at least a few months in advance of any needed emergency upgrades, should they ever prove necessary. On Sat, May 30, 2026 at 12:18 PM Nikita Karetnikov <[email protected]> wrote: > Dear Erik, > > The bounty idea has been discussed recently in “What if we let Quantum > Hunters get Bitcoin rewards ?” > I’ve also seen it mentioned elsewhere. > > Before going into the implementation, let’s discuss the concept. > I don’t understand what problem is being solved by the bounty. > To me it serves no purpose. > > If the network is not updated to be post-quantum, the attackers can just > go for the funds elsewhere. > The counterargument is that a discovery can be made by a lab that’s not > interested in stealing. > What is the bounty for in that case? > The researchers are primarily motivated by producing novel results. > They already receive salary and the companies working on this have funding. > This also assumes that the lab would be allowed to publish this result > publicly. > They would have other means to demonstrate their discovery as well. > Why would you optimize for this very specific use case? > > And if the network is updated to be post-quantum, the PQ bounty has no > purpose. > > The bounty is already there, it’s the network itself, pre- or post-quantum. > > Thanks, > Nikita > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Bitcoin Development Mailing List" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To view this discussion visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/bitcoindev/28eeaa8b-dc19-463f-882f-1ed69c4c9037%40app.fastmail.com > . > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Bitcoin Development Mailing List" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/bitcoindev/CAJowKgJZk%3Dc17stAtWxa%3Dh1fAhZL4YfvbbAY%2Bgo32wmDKffNzQ%40mail.gmail.com.
