According to Alex Thorn, a researcher who attended a recent industry gathering in Las Vegas, that reality is changing how experts frame the threat.<\/a> The real high-value targets, Thorn noted, are large exchanges and active institutions \u2014 entities that can migrate to post-quantum addresses on their own if needed.<\/p>\n The distinction between long-range and short-range quantum attacks matters here, too. Neutral atom quantum systems \u2014 a competing approach to the more widely known superconducting method \u2014 are only capable of long-range attacks.<\/p>\n i had many discussions about quantum & bitcoin in las vegas this week, both on and off stage, with skeptics, advocates, and many overall smart bitcoiners<\/p>\n some consensus i feel is emerging:<\/p>\n 1) satoshi\u2019s coins (P2PK) should not be touched. violating his property rights could be\u2026<\/p>\n \u2014 Alex Thorn (@intangiblecoins) May 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Google recently opened a neutral atom lab shortly before publishing a major quantum computing paper. Some observers read that move as a quiet acknowledgment that superconducting technology may have limits, though the company has not said so directly.<\/p>\n The question of whether Bitcoin\u2019s protocol should ever be changed to address Satoshi\u2019s coins drew strong opinions. Based on Thorn\u2019s account of discussions at the event<\/a>, a rough consensus formed: those coins should not be touched.<\/p>\n if you haven\u2019t yet, watch the great discussion between @reardencode<\/a> @jamesob<\/a> @cryptoquick<\/a> @apruden08<\/a> at @TheBitcoinConf<\/a> last week https:\/\/t.co\/2F52Jwkgzo<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Alex Thorn (@intangiblecoins) May 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Altering the protocol to move or freeze them would undermine a foundational principle \u2014 that property rights on the Bitcoin<\/a> network are inviolable. Violating that principle, even with good intentions, could do lasting damage to the network\u2019s credibility.<\/p>\n\n
Property Rights And The Satoshi Question<\/h2>\n
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