Google has set a 2029 deadline to fully deploy post-quantum cryptography (PQC) across its platforms, citing rapid advancements in quantum computing that threaten current encryption standards.
The company warns quantum machines could break today’s digital security protocols, jeopardizing authentication and data integrity. This marks the first public timeline from Google on PQC rollout-earlier than many industry estimates for Q-Day.
Google’s Willow quantum chip, with 105 qubits, underscores its push toward quantum readiness. Meanwhile, Ethereum plans protocol-level PQC integration by 2029, while Solana introduced a quantum-resistant vault using hash-based signatures in early 2025.
Bitcoin remains divided: Blockstream CEO Adam Back downplays risks, arguing decades of delay are safe. Others, like researcher Ethan Heilman, advocate for BIP-360-a Pay-to-Merkle-Root upgrade-to mitigate short-term exposure.