When Quantum Computers Come for Your Bitcoin: What Classical Property Law Says Happens Next
Summary
The rise of quantum computing poses a threat to legacy Bitcoin addresses, raising questions about whether accessing dormant funds via quantum-derived keys is theft or recovery. While some argue that long-term dormancy implies abandonment, property law maintains that ownership persists regardless of inactivity, death, or accessibility. The article further examines BIP-361, a proposal to freeze quantum-vulnerable UTXOs, noting that while it aims to protect the network, it risks functioning as a form of protocol-level confiscation for owners unable to migrate their assets.
(Source:Bitcoin Magazine)