
newsDec 28, 20251:14:30pending
Getting To The Bottom Of Quantum w/ Rearden
About this episode
Bitcoin developer Brandon Black (ReardenCode) analyzes the reality of the quantum computing threat to Bitcoin. He explains the timeline for potential encryption breaks and why the sky isn't falling just yet. Brandon explains proposed solutions like BIP 360 and OP_CAT, and we debate whether Satoshi's stash will eventually be stolen or confiscated.
Notes:
* RSA keys moved from 1024 to 4096 bits
* 2-3k logical qubits needed to break ECC
* Logical qubits need 99.999% accuracy
* Biggest quantum factored number is ~15.
* BIP 360 new BC1Z address type.
Timestamps:
00:00 Start
00:25 The Quantum discussion
02:43 Initial thoughts on Quantum
06:51 How would a Quantum computer work?
11:10 Quantum vs conventional computing
14:25 Rearden's general take on Quantum
16:29 Why so divided on issue?
20:13 Error correction
22:42 You gave it the answer already
25:36 It's not scaling!
30:06 Easily readable research?
34:24 The "hidden" quantum computer
38:08 Crab market = roll FUD dice
39:59 TradFi is jumpy
41:01 The plan
42:57 What is "bitcoin working"?
46:13 Screeching about Core Devs
48:21 Core team & gatekeeping
53:12 BIP 360
56:19 Are MY keys safe now?
1:01:20 Satoshi's coins
1:05:04 Opinions in the community
1:10:56 Bitcoin upgrades coming?
The Gwart Show is sponsored by Ellipsis Labs. Backed by Paradigm, Electric Capital and Haun Ventures. The founders, Eugene and Jerry, have experienced Citadel Jane Street in the Solana Core team since launching their order book DEX, Phoenix. They’ve done over $80 billion in trading volume by making onchain order books competitive with centralized exchanges.
Ellipsis is hiring for New York-based engineers. Work with a small focus team who are results driven, collaborative, and use a modern stack. If you’re an engineer who wants to work on infrastructure that’s already proven itself in the market, go to ellipsislabs.xyz.
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