Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance, has suggested that Satoshi Nakamoto’s estimated 1.1 million bitcoins be frozen for up to 12 months if the coins remain unmoved once quantum computers threaten Bitcoin’s cryptography.

The proposal was made during a podcast with Alex Thorn of Galaxy Digital and has drawn mixed reactions from industry participants.

Critics such as investor Michael Terpin argue that freezing the coins would conflict with Bitcoin’s permissionless design and question the ability of the decentralized community to reach consensus, noting that reaching agreement on protocol changes has historically been slow.

Other experts, including developer Jameson Lopp and Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan, say the focus should be on preparing Bitcoin for post‑quantum cryptography, with options ranging from phased cryptographic upgrades to placing Satoshi’s holdings in a legal trust.

The debate remains theoretical, as practical post‑quantum solutions are still under development and no consensus has emerged on how the network should respond if its encryption becomes vulnerable.