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BitMEX Proposes ‘Canary Fund’ as Alternative to Bitcoin Quantum Freeze

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BitMEX Research has put forward a new proposal aimed at addressing potential quantum computing threats to Bitcoin, offering an alternative to controversial plans that suggest freezing vulnerable coins.

Instead of immediately restricting access to older, quantum-exposed Bitcoin, the proposal introduces a more cautious “wait-and-see” approach centered around a so-called canary fund.

A Conditional Approach to Quantum Risk

The proposal suggests implementing a soft fork that would only trigger a freeze on vulnerable Bitcoin if a real quantum threat is proven to exist.

Rather than acting preemptively, the system would monitor for evidence that a quantum computer capable of breaking Bitcoin’s cryptography is actually in operation.

This stands in contrast to the recently proposed BIP-361, which recommended freezing dormant Bitcoin wallets that could be at risk in the future.

How the Canary Fund Works

At the core of BitMEX’s idea is a “canary address,” created using a cryptographic method known as a Nothing-Up-My-Sleeve Number. This ensures the address is valid but has no known private key.

Users can voluntarily send Bitcoin to this address, effectively creating a bounty. If a quantum-capable attacker is able to access and spend funds from this wallet, it would serve as clear proof that Bitcoin’s current cryptography has been compromised.

Only then would the proposed system activate a broader freeze on vulnerable coins.

This mechanism is designed to act as an early warning system, allowing the network to respond only when a real threat emerges.

Avoiding Immediate Restrictions

Under the “canary watch” model, existing Bitcoin holders would still be able to access and move their funds without restriction, as long as the canary address remains untouched.

Participants contributing to the fund could also use multisignature setups and retain the ability to withdraw their funds at any time.

The proposal also includes a safety window, allowing certain transactions involving older coins to continue even after a defined period, though with additional safeguards.

Response to Community Concerns

The idea comes after strong criticism of BIP-361, with some community members labeling the proposal as overly restrictive and potentially confiscatory.

BitMEX acknowledged that while its approach introduces added complexity, it may strike a better balance by minimizing disruption while still preparing for a worst-case scenario.

A Debate Still in Early Stages

Even the author of BIP-361, Jameson Lopp, has clarified that the proposal is more of a conceptual framework than a finalized plan.

He described it as a “rough idea for a contingency plan,” noting that while the concept may be unpopular, it was created to address a potentially serious future risk if quantum computing advances significantly.

For now, both proposals highlight an ongoing debate within the Bitcoin community about how to prepare for emerging technological threats without undermining core principles like decentralization and user control.

Blockchain

Coinbase Flags Algorand and Aptos as Leaders in Quantum-Ready Crypto

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Coinbase is sounding the alarm on a future risk that could reshape blockchain security: quantum computing.

In a new report, its quantum advisory board highlighted how some networks are preparing early, while others may face greater challenges down the line.

Quantum Threat Not Here Yet, But Inevitable

Coinbase researchers emphasized that quantum computers capable of breaking blockchain cryptography do not yet exist, but likely will in the future.

Such machines could:

  • Break private key cryptography
  • Access crypto wallets
  • Undermine blockchain security models

The board believes it is only a matter of time before this level of computing power becomes reality.

Algorand Leading in Quantum Readiness

Algorand was highlighted as one of the most prepared networks.

Key strengths include:

  • A staged roadmap toward quantum resistance
  • Existing support for quantum-secure accounts
  • Successful quantum-resistant transactions on mainnet

However, some areas like validator coordination and block proposals still require upgrades.

Aptos Also Well Positioned

Aptos was also identified as a strong contender in the transition to post-quantum security.

Its design allows users to:

  • Update their authentication keys easily
  • Transition to quantum-safe cryptography without moving funds
  • Maintain the same account structure

This flexibility could make upgrades smoother compared to other networks.

Proof-of-Stake Chains Face Higher Risk

The report warned that major proof-of-stake networks like:

  • Ethereum
  • Solana

may be more exposed due to how validator signatures are structured.

That said:

  • Solana is already developing improved signature schemes
  • Ethereum has a roadmap to adopt quantum-resistant cryptography

What Happens to Vulnerable Wallets?

One of the more controversial ideas discussed is how to handle existing wallets.

Potential solutions include:

  • Encouraging users to migrate to quantum-safe wallets
  • Revoking access to vulnerable wallets
  • Treating un-upgraded funds as permanently inaccessible

This raises major questions about user responsibility and network governance.

A Long-Term, Not Immediate Risk

Despite the warnings, Coinbase stressed that a quantum computer capable of breaking crypto would need to be:

  • Far more powerful than current systems
  • Likely at least a decade away

Still, the report urges developers to begin preparing now rather than waiting.

Preparing for the Next Era of Security

The takeaway is clear: quantum computing may not be an immediate threat, but it is a structural risk that cannot be ignored.

Networks like Algorand and Aptos are taking early steps, while others are still developing their strategies.

How the industry responds could determine whether crypto remains secure in a post-quantum world.

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Crypto

Kalshi Eyes Crypto Expansion With Perpetual Futures Launch

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Kalshi is reportedly preparing to enter the cryptocurrency derivatives space, signaling a major shift beyond its core focus on event-based trading.

Moving Into Crypto Perpetual Futures

According to reports, Kalshi is exploring the launch of perpetual futures contracts, often called “perps,” tied to digital assets like Bitcoin.

Perpetual futures allow traders to:

  • Speculate on price movements without expiration dates
  • Maintain continuous market exposure
  • Use leverage to amplify positions

This type of product has become one of the most widely traded instruments in crypto markets.

Expanding Beyond Prediction Markets

Kalshi is best known for offering event-based contracts, where users bet on outcomes such as elections or economic indicators.

A move into perpetual futures would:

  • Shift the platform toward continuous financial markets
  • Attract a broader range of traders
  • Position Kalshi closer to traditional derivatives exchanges

This could significantly expand its addressable market.

Regulatory Advantage in the US

One of Kalshi’s biggest differentiators is its regulatory status.

The platform is overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, making it one of the few fully regulated derivatives venues in the United States.

With regulators increasingly open to crypto derivatives, Kalshi could:

  • Offer compliant alternatives to offshore exchanges
  • Capture trading volume currently outside US jurisdiction
  • Benefit from growing institutional interest

Momentum Building for Perpetual Futures

The timing aligns with broader industry trends.

Perpetual futures trading continues to grow, with daily volumes still reaching tens of billions of dollars despite cooling from peak levels.

Meanwhile, major platforms are expanding into similar products:

  • Coinbase has launched perpetual-style futures tied to equities
  • Kraken offers tokenized stock perpetual futures

This reflects a shift toward 24/7, multi-asset trading environments.

Bridging Traditional Finance and Crypto

Kalshi’s potential move highlights a convergence between:

  • Prediction markets
  • Crypto derivatives
  • Traditional financial instruments

By combining regulatory compliance with crypto-native products, the platform could play a key role in bringing derivatives trading onshore in the US.

What Comes Next?

While the plans are not yet officially confirmed, the move would mark a significant evolution for Kalshi.

If launched, it could:

  • Increase competition in the derivatives space
  • Accelerate regulatory clarity in the US
  • Further legitimize crypto-based trading products
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Blockchain

DoorDash to Enable Stablecoin Payments Across Global Platform

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DoorDash is stepping into crypto-powered payments, planning to integrate stablecoins for users, merchants, and delivery drivers across its ecosystem.

Stablecoins Coming to Everyday Payments

The initiative is being built in partnership with the Tempo blockchain, aiming to allow:

  • Customers to pay using stablecoins
  • Merchants to receive faster settlements
  • “Dashers” to get paid more quickly

The rollout is expected to cover users in more than 40 countries, signaling a major step toward mainstream crypto adoption.

Why Stablecoins?

DoorDash and its partners are focusing on three key advantages:

  • Faster payouts compared to traditional banking
  • Lower cross-border costs
  • Greater flexibility in payments

According to DoorDash leadership, improving payout speed for drivers and merchants is a major motivation behind the move.

Backed by Major Financial Players

The integration involves several key partners:

  • Stripe
  • Paradigm
  • Coastal Bank
  • ARQ

This collaboration highlights growing alignment between traditional finance and blockchain infrastructure.

A Massive Use Case for Crypto

DoorDash operates at enormous scale:

  • 903 million orders in Q4 2025
  • Around $29.7 billion in transaction volume

Integrating stablecoins into a platform of this size could significantly accelerate real-world crypto usage.

Stablecoins Enter Mainstream Commerce

This move reflects a broader industry trend:

  • Visa and Mastercard are expanding stablecoin infrastructure
  • Stripe continues investing heavily in blockchain payments
  • Financial institutions are exploring tokenized settlement systems

Stablecoins are increasingly being positioned as the bridge between crypto and everyday payments.

From Crypto Niche to Daily Utility

Unlike speculative crypto use cases, this integration targets real-world transactions:

  • Food delivery payments
  • Gig economy payouts
  • Merchant settlements

This could make stablecoins part of daily financial activity for millions of users.

A Turning Point for Adoption?

If successful, DoorDash’s integration could mark a key shift:

  • From crypto as an investment to crypto as a payment layer
  • From niche users to mass-market adoption

It also reinforces the idea that stablecoins may become the default digital payment rail for global commerce.

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