Google Sets 2029 Deadline For Quantum-Safe Crypto Migration

Google announced a 2029 deadline for completing its migration to post-quantum cryptography, warning that current encryption standards face growing risks from quantum computing advances that could eventually compromise systems securing everything from internet infrastructure to Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).

Google's Quantum Migration Plan

The company laid out its timeline in a blog post published Wednesday, citing two primary threats.

The first is so-called "store-now-decrypt-later" attacks, where adversaries harvest encrypted data today with plans to crack it once quantum hardware matures. The second involves the future ability of quantum computers to break digital signatures used in authentication — a mechanism central to cryptocurrency security.

"This new timeline reflects migration needs for the PQC era in light of progress on quantum computing hardware development, quantum error correction, and quantum factoring resource estimates," Google stated. The company said quantum computers will pose a "significant threat" to current cryptographic standards, specifically targeting encryption and digital signatures.

Bitcoin Community Debate

The announcement adds urgency to a dispute that has divided Bitcoin's developer community for the past year. Some advocate upgrading the network's cryptography and allowing voluntary migration to quantum-resistant signatures. Others argue that any forced change would violate Bitcoin's foundational principle that private keys alone control coins.