Ethlabs proposed to accelerate post-quantum protection for Ethereum by 2027

The research organization Ethlabs has proposed accelerating the implementation of post-quantum protection for Ethereum and preparing the network for new threats from AI as early as 2027. The pqai27 initiative was published on November 11 on the Ethereum Magicians forum. This is a proposal from an independent team, not an agreed-upon schedule for Ethereum updates.

Why Ethlabs Proposes Accelerating Protection

The authors believe that the development of AI may accelerate the discovery of software vulnerabilities and cryptographic methods, complicating the assessment of future risks. Post-quantum protection refers to the transition to algorithms resistant to attacks by powerful quantum computers, while "post-AI" implies additional verification of software clients and cryptography. Currently, there is no evidence that quantum computers can break the mechanisms used by Ethereum, so this is about early preparation.

What Should Change in 2027

Ethlabs divides the goal into two stages: pqai-ready and pqai-scaled. In the first stage, the network should achieve secure consensus and a migration path for user accounts to post-quantum signatures, while maintaining the ability to operate with temporarily reduced throughput. The second stage involves maintaining full performance when processing secure transactions and data, but remains a more ambitious goal.

Which Updates May Be Revised

To free up resources for pqai27, Ethlabs will withdraw the Quick Slots proposal from the planned Hegotá update and continue working on accelerating blocks in 2028. The team also suggests revising the priorities of other changes, including FOCIL, if they interfere with the timeline for implementing protection. Meanwhile, the Ethereum Foundation in September named December 2029 as the target for full quantum resistance of the network. The shift to 2027 has not yet been approved by protocol developers.