BitMEX proposes conditional freeze for quantum-vulnerable assets

BitMEX Research has proposed a "canary fund" method to address the threat of quantum computing, Cointelegraph reported. The proposal involves a conditional approach that would only freeze vulnerable assets once a quantum attack is proven. BitMEX Research explained that the canary fund would be a special address where anyone could deposit BTC. While this address would have no private key, the funds could theoretically be moved using a quantum computer. If funds were ever moved from this address, it would serve as a signal that a quantum threat is active, automatically triggering the freeze. This method is presented as an alternative to the preemptive freezing of vulnerable BTC suggested in BIP-361, a plan that has faced criticism from the community for being overly interventionist.