Google Willow chip introduces "quantum echo" algorithm: 13,000 times faster than supercomputers, is Bitcoin no longer secure?

Google has introduced the “Quantum Echoes” algorithm on its Willow quantum chip, achieving verifiable quantum advantage for the first time, surpassing the supercomputer Frontier by 13,000 times in speed. (Background: Musk's serious question: Can quantum computers break Bitcoin?) (Supplementary background: Developers propose freezing 1 million Bitcoins from Satoshi Nakamoto, with a three-step response to the quantum computer crisis) Google recently announced that its Willow quantum chip, combined with the “Quantum Echoes” algorithm, has completed the world's first “verifiable” quantum advantage. The research team pointed out that the Frontier supercomputer would take about 3.2 years to compute the OTOC task, while Willow took only 2 hours, leading by 13,000 times. Verifiable Quantum Advantage: The End of Controversy In the past, the quantum field often sparked controversy due to outputs being random bit strings, making it difficult to verify correctness. “Quantum Echoes” outputs a single repeatable value by measuring out-of-order time correlation functions (OTOCs), allowing external teams to verify results using other quantum devices or experiments, thus ending the verification dilemma. Nobel Laureate Michel Devoret stated: “This marks a new step towards the full-scale realization of quantum computing.” Scott Aaronson from the University of Texas at Austin also emphasized: “The main difference is that the output can be efficiently verified, unlike traditional random samples.” Industry Impact: Pharmaceuticals and Materials Benefit First Currently, “Quantum Echoes” has successfully simulated molecules like 4-13C-toluene and 1-13C-3′,5′-dimethylbiphenyl, showing a more refined atomic arrangement than traditional nuclear magnetic resonance, which is expected to shorten new drug screening time and improve success rates. The field of materials science can also explore breakthrough materials, accelerating venture capital and government funding into the quantum technology ecosystem. Google optimistically estimates that practical applications solvable only by quantum computers will emerge within five years. Is Bitcoin in Danger? Breakthroughs in quantum computing have once again raised concerns within the community. Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko bluntly stated at this year's All-In Summit that the probability of achieving a critical breakthrough in quantum computing within five years is as high as 50%, and he called for Bitcoin to complete its quantum resistance migration before 2030. Yakovenko pointed out that with the simultaneous advancement of artificial intelligence and advanced processes, quantum hardware may quickly exceed current limits, posing a direct impact on Bitcoin, which relies on ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm). “The possibility of a breakthrough in quantum computing before 2030 is 50%.” How will quantum breach Bitcoin? Security researcher David Carvalho has also warned that the pace of advancement in quantum hardware may be “far faster than imagined.” If this speculation comes true, Bitcoin's current defenses will be like an old safe, rendered ineffective against new thieves equipped with universal keys. In response to the quantum threat, research focus is shifting towards post-quantum cryptography (PQC). The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has adopted algorithms like CRYSTALS-Dilithium as next-generation standards. The industry is also evaluating hybrid signature solutions that allow traditional and PQC to coexist, reducing the risk of a one-time switch. The concept of cryptographic agility is thus gaining attention, allowing nodes to quickly change algorithms as needed through modular design. However, PQC signature sizes are generally larger, about 5 to 50 times the current size, meaning that transaction data volume and fees will grow in tandem, increasing the storage and bandwidth burden on nodes. Achieving a balance between security and efficiency has become a new challenge for developers. Timeline and Governance Issues Whether the quantum threat is imminent is a significant divide within the community. Blockstream CEO Adam Back previously believed that quantum computers are “difficult to implement in practice” at this stage, and Jan3 founder Samson Mow also emphasized that before Bitcoin falters, “other systems will fail first.” However, once an upgrade is necessary, Bitcoin will inevitably complete it through a hard fork. Past experiences show that hard forks often come with ideological conflicts and the risk of chain splits, making governance costs non-negligible. According to technical analysis, the development team must propose a clear path, including testnet validation, comparisons of soft and hard fork plans, and multi-stage transition mechanisms. Otherwise, when quantum computing truly materializes, the community may miss the golden defense window due to disagreements. The Race Has Already Started Countries like El Salvador have attempted to transfer part of their national Bitcoin reserves to custodial solutions that support PQC, indicating that preventive measures are becoming a consensus. The industry is also discussing incorporating NIST standard algorithms into wallets and signature hardware, or using multi-signature approaches to protect high-value addresses in advance. Once PQC algorithms mature, miners, exchanges, and node software need to upgrade simultaneously to maintain overall network consistency. From technological innovation to governance decision-making, Bitcoin is facing unprecedented stress tests. Whether the quantum wave will hit the shore in five years remains uncertain, but “preparation” has replaced “unnecessary worry” as the mainstream view. The warning from Solana's founder acts like a countdown timer, reminding developers, miners, and holders: Quantum threats will not wait for consensus to form; the earlier the action, the lower the cost. In summary, to maintain its status as “digital gold,” Bitcoin must lay out a dual strategy in technology and governance, building a security architecture that can be upgraded at any time. Facing the new game brought by quantum computing, the crypto world has no retreat space, only full-speed sprinting. Related Reports MicroStrategy retorts “Bitcoin Quantum Attack,” Michael Saylor: Unnecessary worry, if true, Google and Microsoft will be the first to fall Math professors: “Quantum Attack Approaches” Public-key cryptography systems need a comprehensive upgrade, Vitalik offers solutions… Is Bitcoin's rescue dream shattered? El Salvador hoarded coins for six years, the result was unexpected. <Google Willow chip introduces “Quantum Echoes” algorithm: 13,000 times faster than supercomputers, is Bitcoin no longer safe?> This article was first published in BlockTempo, the most influential blockchain news media.