The Protocol: Quantum computing could break Bitcoin sooner, says Google
Also: OpenAI raises $122 billion, crypto ecosystems diverging post-quantum strategies, and Base’s 2026 roadmap.
What to know:
Welcome to The Protocol, CoinDesk’s weekly wrap of the most important stories in cryptocurrency tech development. I’m Margaux Nijkerk, a reporter at CoinDesk.
In this issue:
— Breaking Bitcoin with quantum may be easier than thought, with Taproot partly to blame, Google says
— OpenAI raises a record $122 billion as revenue crosses $2 billion per month
— Here’s how Bitcoin, Ethereum and other networks are preparing for the looming quantum threat
— Coinbase’s Base to focus on tokenized markets, stablecoins, developers this year
Network News
In Other News
Regulatory and Policy
Calendar
— Mar. 30-Apr. 2, 2026: EthCC, Cannes
— Apr.15-16, 2026: Paris Blockchain Week, Paris
— May 5-7, 2026: Consensus, Miami
— Sept. 29-Oct.1, 2026: Korea Blockchain Week, Seoul
— Oct. 7-8, 2026: Token2049, Singapore
— Nov. 3-6, 2026: Devcon, Mumbai
— Nov. 15-17, 2026: Solana Breakpoint, London
The platform halted deposits while it investigates suspicious activity and urges users to proceed with caution.
What to know:
— Drift, a Solana-based DeFi platform, said it is investigating «unusual activity» on its protocol and urged users not to deposit funds while the review is underway.
— The alert sparked speculation across the crypto community, with some users reporting irregular behavior in their positions on the platform.
— Helius CEO Mert Mumtaz…