Quantum Computers May Uncover Satoshi’s Fate, According to Adam Back

Early cypherpunk Adam Back, who is referenced by Satoshi Nakamoto in the Bitcoin white paper, suggested during an interview after a Q&A at the “Satoshi Spritz” event in Turin on April 18 that the advancements in quantum computing could potentially reveal whether the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin is still alive.

Back posited that the emergence of quantum computing may compel Nakamoto to transfer their Bitcoin (BTC). This is due to the expectation that Bitcoin holders will eventually need to transition their assets to newer, quantum-resistant, signature-based addresses. He noted that current quantum computers do not represent an immediate threat to Bitcoin’s cryptography, but their capabilities could develop to pose a significant risk in the future, possibly within “maybe 20 years.”

He remarked, “If quantum computers become a reality, and researchers have access to them, the Bitcoin network will face a choice: either permit theft of dormant addresses or proactively invalidate them.” Back anticipates that the community will likely opt for the first option, which would require Bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator to move their holdings to avoid losses.

Regarding the implications for Satoshi Nakamoto’s identity, Back emphasized that the situation hinges on Bitcoin’s future privacy enhancements. He mentioned that ongoing technological advancements and research might offer solutions to maintain privacy while addressing quantum vulnerabilities.

However, skepticism remains within the community about whether such developments would definitively reveal Nakamoto’s status. An anonymous early Bitcoin miner expressed doubts, stating, “Even if he is alive and possesses the private keys, I do not believe he would choose to move them. Based on past behavior, I would expect him to leave the decision to the community, especially given its controversial nature.”

Back further elaborated that while many quantum-resistant signature implementations are either untested in terms of security or require substantial data resources, he referenced Lamport signatures as a reliable, albeit data-heavy, solution. He advised that Bitcoin should be ready to transition to quantum-resistant signatures when absolutely necessary, proposing a potential implementation based on Bitcoin’s taproot that allows for a smooth shift to these signatures as needed.