Bitcoin Developers Propose Pay-to-Merkle-Root to Counter Quantum Threats

Bitcoin developers have introduced BIP 360, which proposes the Pay-to-Merkle-Root (P2MR) method to tackle potential vulnerabilities posed by quantum computing. According to NS3.AI, this proposal aims to enhance Bitcoin's security without immediate activation. Experts are divided on the timeline for quantum computers to pose a real threat to Bitcoin's cryptography, with estimates ranging from five years to several decades. The implementation of post-quantum security measures in Bitcoin is complicated by the network's decentralized consensus mechanism and community resistance to change.