Paolo Ardoino, the CEO of Tether, has expressed interest in a proposal to use quantum computing technology for an initiative designed to recover lost Bitcoin.
The concept, which was originally proposed by Bitcoin Investor Brad Mills suggests starting a “white-hat” treasure hunt in order to track down an estimated 3,7 million BTCs that are missing from the system.
Ardoino acknowledged the concept’s potential but emphasized the need for transparent leadership. Although he does not believe quantum computing technology is advanced enough for this type of operation to be executed, Ardoino stressed that ethical oversight will be necessary if such an initiative takes form.
He proposed that Bitcoiners contribute Satoshis to receive a percentage of future Bitcoins recovered by quantum advances. However, he insisted that most of the proceeds should fund Bitcoin’s open-source development for the long haul.
He said:
“Just an idea on the spot: bitcoiners could participate pledging some sats today to get a revshare of future quantum hacks. And the bulk of the sum shall be used to fund Bitcoin open source developers until the end of times.”
Bitcoin, quantum computing and the threat it poses
These discussions follow Ardoino’s recent comments dismissing quantum computing as an immediate threat to Bitcoin.
Over the weekend, Ardoino assured the community that Bitcoin’s cryptographic security remains intact despite growing concerns about quantum computing.
The Tether CEO argued that the technology is still far from reaching a level where it could compromise Bitcoin’s security. He also expressed his confidence in Bitcoin’s ability to adopt quantum-resistant technologies before risks became serious.
The writer wrote:
“Quantum resistant addresses will eventually be added to Bitcoin before there is any serious threat. All people alive (and that have access to their wallets) will move Bitcoin into new quantum resistant addresses.”
Ardoino acknowledged that, if quantum computer progresses in a major way, this could result in Bitcoin being recovered from inactive wallets.
It includes any holdings of deceased users, or those who have lost their private key. He suggested that even Satoshi Nakamoto’s wallets—estimated to contain around 1.2 million BTC—could be accessed under such conditions.
Despite these hypothetical scenarios, Ardoino reaffirmed Bitcoin’s resilience. He insisted that quantum advancements would not change the network’s 21 million supply cap, writing that:
“Only 21 million Bitcoin anyway. Nothing can change that. Not even quantum computing.”
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