Satoshi's 16-Year-Old Quantum-Resistance Plan Forms Framework for Bitcoin's BIP-360 and BIP-361

Bitcoin's discussion on quantum computer resistance is revisiting Satoshi Nakamoto's 16-year-old design as developers test a proposal to force network cryptographic upgrades by setting a block height deadline, forming the basis for BIP-360 and BIP-361. Satoshi identified the ECDSA public key as a vulnerability, noting that Shor's algorithm-based quantum computers could derive private keys from public keys. Approximately 6.9 million BTC, or 35% of circulating Bitcoin, are at risk, including wallets and addresses using initial P2PK outputs and repeated addresses. Satoshi proposed a mandatory soft fork to protect these assets. The current proposal involves two steps: migrating to quantum-resistant BC1Z addresses and locking existing wallets beyond a specified block height. However, switching to stronger algorithms could increase transaction data size by 57%, raising user fees. Initial lost funds also pose a challenge, as holders unable to update software cannot transition to the new address system. The network must permanently isolate these funds to combat quantum attacks, with no recovery possible once locked. Even Satoshi's own wallet could be locked if the deadline is enforced, potentially permanently closing his digital legacy. This discussion marks a concrete protocol change for quantum resistance, revealing the need to accept security enhancements, fee increases, and permanent isolation of initial assets.