Physics vs. Code: Why Google's ‘Quantum Money' Could Make Blockchain Obsolete

Physics vs. Code: Why Google's ‘Quantum Money' Could Make Blockchain Obsolete

By Decrypt
Google Quantum AI's new research revisits a 1960s idea for unforgeable “quantum money,” exploring how physics, not code, could secure finance.

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The Future of Crypto in Jeopardy? Google's 'Quantum Money' Threatens Blockchain's Security Google's quantum computing division has unveiled research that could upend the foundations of cryptocurrency - and not in a good way. The tech giant's Quantum AI team is revisiting a 1960s concept for "quantum money," exploring how the physics of quantum mechanics could render blockchain technology obsolete.

This alarming development flies in the face of the crypto community's long-held belief that the immutable, decentralized nature of blockchain is its greatest strength. Google's quantum breakthrough suggests that the complex math underpinning cryptocurrencies may be no match for the raw power of quantum computers.

The implications for digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum are dire. Quantum computers could potentially crack the cryptographic algorithms that secure blockchain networks, allowing bad actors to forge transactions and siphon funds with ease. This threat extends beyond just cryptocurrencies, putting the entire finance industry at risk of quantum-powered fraud and theft.

While this research is still in its early stages, crypto investors and enthusiasts would be wise to take notice. The advent of practical quantum computing could upend the $2 trillion crypto market, wiping out massive amounts of value and investor wealth. Leading blockchain projects may be forced to undergo costly upgrades to quantum-proof their networks, passing the burden onto users.

As the world's tech giants continue to push the boundaries of quantum supremacy, the future of cryptocurrency hangs in the balance. The industry must act quickly to develop quantum-resistant cryptography and stay ahead of this looming existential threat. The financial landscape could be forever changed if Google's "quantum money" proves capable of breaching blockchain's digital defenses.

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Source: Decrypt

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