Google cuts quantum errors 40-fold: Is Bitcoin at risk?

Google has demonstrated a 40-fold reduction in quantum computing errors using its Willow processor, advancing a technology that researchers believe could eventually challenge the cryptography protecting Bitcoin. Google announced the results on October 15, 2026, following the publication of its research in the scientific journal Science. The experiment used a technique called magic state cultivation to produce quantum states with 99.99% logical fidelity, or accuracy, under the researchers’ testing method. The achievement addresses a technical problem that has limited efforts to build reliable quantum computers. Although Google’s experiment did not break Bitcoin’s encryption, its findings concern technology that could eventually help future machines perform the calculations needed to attack existing cryptographic systems.

First reported by crypto.news. This page is a short excerpt; the full text is theirs.