Who Is Liable for a Quantum Adversary in a Cryptocurrency System?

29 Pages Posted: 3 Feb 2021

Date Written: February 2, 2021

Abstract

Cryptocurrencies are based on digitally signed updates to a ledger maintained in a decentralized manner according to consensus mechanisms in compliance with consented protocols. Cryptography is used to secure all the aspects of a cryptocurrency system. Cryptography considered secure today is likely to be considered insecure in the future with the arrival of quantum computing. An adversary with access to quantum computers—a quantum adversary—may cause severe harm to a cryptocurrency system and its stakeholders. This paper discusses the liability of such harm. It finds that in addition to the liability of the quantum adversary, protocol developers, network participants, and misinforming agents may be held liable for the actions of the quantum adversary. However, in many cases, the harm is likely to be considered a risk accepted by the participants.

Keywords: Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies, Liability, Quantum Computing

JEL Classification: E42, K13, K24, L17

Suggested Citation

Østbye, Peder, Who Is Liable for a Quantum Adversary in a Cryptocurrency System? (February 2, 2021). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3777980 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3777980

Peder Østbye (Contact Author)

Norges Bank ( email )

P.O. Box 1179
Oslo, N-0107
Norway

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