Michael Saylor, an executive at MicroStrategy, has issued a warning regarding the potential dangers Bitcoin faces from ambitious individuals pushing for changes to its protocol.
This statement comes at a time when both Coinbase and the Ethereum network are taking steps to tackle one of Bitcoin’s most significant long-term threats: quantum computing.
The Quantum Challenge for Bitcoin Brings Protocol Change Discussions to Light
Saylor emphasized that the ossification of Bitcoin’s protocol serves as its main line of defense. He believes that internal efforts aimed at “enhancing” the network could pose more risks than external technological challenges.
The greatest risk to Bitcoin is ambitious opportunists advocating protocol changes.
— Michael Saylor (@saylor) January 24, 2026
This comment underscores Bitcoin’s function as neutral digital currency amidst discussions surrounding proposals like BIP-110 soft fork.
BIP-110 has garnered 2.38% support from nodes as of January 25, 2026. Its goal is to temporarily limit transaction data (for example, OP_RETURN capped at 83 bytes) in order to mitigate “spam” caused by non-financial uses.
BIP-110 activates by September 2026. The clock is ticking.
After three years where inscriptions consumed up to 37% of block space without action taken, this mechanism doesn’t require permission.
I’m monitoring miner signaling and node adoption live: https://t.co/QUj2TvhQAR
Full breakdown in Bitcoin… pic.twitter.com/Ddh8e8d4hs
— Renaud Cuny (@CunyRenaud) January 19, 2026
The debate reveals a divide within the community between purists who prefer using Bitcoin Knots and those who utilize Bitcoin Core for broader applications.
Some developers express concerns about hasty or politically driven modifications while others argue that neglecting emerging threats could itself become problematic.
This tension has intensified following Coinbase’s announcement regarding an independent advisory board focused on quantum computing and blockchain security.
Coinbase Establishes Independent Advisory Board on Quantum Computing and Blockchain.
Possibly @LindellYehuda isn’t aware that @Conste11ation has already demonstrated Quantum Resistant Network capabilities to the U.S. Federal Government via IRON SPIDR.
One of the IRON SPIDR… pic.twitter.com/39YUwtocVi
— Dagnum P.I. (@Dagnum_PI) January 24, 2026
The newly formed board will investigate how advancements in large-scale quantum machines might threaten the cryptographic undercurrents supporting Bitcoin. They plan on releasing public research findings along with risk assessments and technical advice tailored for the wider ecosystem.
A key concern revolves around elliptic-curve cryptography (ECC), which forms the basis for both ECDSA and Schnorr signatures used by Bitcoin itself.
If sufficiently advanced quantum computers were able to run Shor’s algorithm effectively, they could potentially extract private keys from public ones—allowing attackers access to forge transactions or drain vulnerable wallets easily!
Although such technology remains several years away from practical application (at least five), there is growing urgency surrounding safe transitions within protocols due largely because making necessary adjustments can take anywhere between five-to-ten years!
No; quantum computers won’t disrupt bitcoin shortly but we must continue observing their development closely!
However thoughtful alterations needed across our protocols may take substantial time before they can be safely implemented – let’s hope things turn out well while preparing adequately just in case!
– Jameson Lopp (@lopp) December 21st 2025The advisory board established by Coinbase comprises leading experts specializing not only within fields related directly towards cryptography but also those engaged actively studying issues concerning quanta:
Stanford professor Dan Boneh
University Of Texas theorist Scott Aaronson
Ethereum Foundation researcher Justin Drake
EigenLayer founder Sreeram KannanCiting independence during operations means position papers reflecting current trends regarding advances made through quantifiable methodologies will be released periodically too! Additionally guidance provided toward developers/institutions responding dynamically whenever breakthroughs occur across this field moving forward together seamlessly into future possibilities ahead!!
A Shift Towards Practical Engineering Solutions Regarding Quantum Issues Facing Bitcoins’ Future Development Strategies Are Now Underway!!
This initiative indicates significant change occurring among members involved deeply rooted inside bitcoin development communities approaching these matters head-on rather than simply discussing them hypothetically anymore! Data collected throughout last year revealed marked increases observed relating specifically toward topics involving quanta appearing frequently throughout various mailing lists utilized regularly amongst engineers/developers working tirelessly behind scenes daily striving ensure utmost safety/security maintained over networks running smoothly despite evolving circumstances constantly arising every day!! Notably after experiencing prolonged periods characterized primarily silence previously noted historically speaking until now!!!
Estimated Percentage Of Messages Concerning Quantum Resistance Source: Willy Woo On XThe dialogue has transitioned away abstract hypotheticals transitioning instead towards concrete engineering queries centered around migration pathways allowing transition processes moving away existing ECC signature schemes ultimately leading us closer implementing post-quanta solutions without disrupting overall functionality experienced currently operating networks effectively maintaining stability throughout entire system architecture involved therein!!!
ANALYSIS :Bitcoin dev response concerning risks posed via quantums began Jan twenty twenty-five accelerating mid-year alongside first-ever hosted summit dedicated entirely focusing upon addressing these very issues held July San Francisco !
In my opinion progress seemed slow initially however it appears now gaining traction rapidly !! [Bitcoin Dev Mailing List] pic.twitter.com/IYWTn2JBis
– Willy Woo(@willywoo )January Twenty-fourth Two Thousand Twenty-six
[P]Despite recent momentum generated thus far researchers remain cautious against rushing through any proposed modifications made across established protocols themselves suggesting waiting patiently until comprehensive standards developed formally recognized institutions such NIST have matured fully before proceeding further down paths potentially risking introducing new vulnerabilities inadvertently caused otherwise otherwise.”[/ P ]
[P]In light thereof actions taken recently appear framed preparation rather panic attempting proactively safeguard bitcoins alongside other blockchains ensuring credible pathways exist facilitating smooth migrations long prior actual attacks becoming feasible down road ahead !!! [/ P ]
[P]Contrasting developments seen lately particularly noteworthy especially compared against what happening concurrently ethereum foundation declaring post-quanta security top strategic priority launching dedicated teams funding ongoing research initiatives establishing live testing environments designed specifically target these objectives simultaneously building bridges connecting various sectors industry-wide collaborative efforts underway collectively tackling challenges presented posed forth advancing technologies impacting everyone equally !! [/ P ]
[P Dir=”LTR” ]Today marks pivotal moment shift strategy undertaken Ethereum Foundations long-term vision focus aimed squarely targeting upcoming challenges associated with quantums formation new team led brilliant Thomas Coratger( @tcoratger ). Joining him Emile world-class talent behind leanVM project focused enhancing overall capabilities being developed therein!!!!
– Justin Drake(@drakefjustin )January Twenty-third Two Thousand Twenty-six
[/ Blockquote ][P]As interest grows exponentially spurred rapid advancements occurring regularly witnessed firsthand many institutions begin taking proactive measures safeguarding infrastructure ensuring longevity viability maintained continuously adapting accordingly balancing act becomes increasingly difficult maintain over time ![ / p]
[p]This article originally appeared on BeInCrypto under title “Michael Saylor Warns About Potential Drift In Bitcoins’ Protocol As Risks Associated With Quanta Enter Mainstream Discourse.” [ / p]