Adam Back Slams Bitcoiner VC Over 'Uniformed' Quantum Risk
Blockstream CEO Adam Back criticized Nic Carter of Castle Island Ventures for publicly amplifying concerns about quantum computing threats to Bitcoin after Carter explained an investment in Project Eleven, a startup focused on Bitcoin’s quantum security. Back argued the Bitcoin community is already researching protections quietly and accused Carter of making “uninformed noise.” Carter countered that many in the Bitcoin community remain in denial about potential risks. Carter said he was persuaded by Project Eleven’s CEO and believes quantum computing represents a significant near-future threat, pointing to rising quantum investments and official discussions about post-quantum cryptography. Some experts, like Capriole’s Charles Edwards, warn quantum computing could endanger Bitcoin’s security within two to nine years unless it upgrades its cryptography. Others, including Kevin O’Leary, downplay the risk, viewing quantum’s application for breaking Bitcoin as unlikely. Back believes Bitcoin should eventually be quantum-ready but says a real threat is still “decades” away due to the nascent state of the technology.
