Bitcoin News Today: Bitcoin's Privacy Gap Fuels Zcash Surge Amid Quantum Fears

VanEck CEO Jan van Eck has ignited a contentious debate within the cryptocurrency community by questioning Bitcoin's long-term viability amid growing concerns over quantum computing risks and privacy shortcomings. Speaking on CNBC's Power Lunch on November 22, van Eck warned that the firm would reconsider its Bitcoin holdings if the network's foundational security or privacy model proved inadequate against emerging threats according to reports. His remarks, which echoed similar statements made in a separate interview with TradingView on the coin's privacy risks, have intensified scrutiny over Bitcoin's cryptographic resilience and transparency, while fueling renewed interest in privacy-focused alternatives like Zcash (ZEC).

The CEO's comments align with broader anxieties about quantum computing's potential to disrupt Bitcoin's elliptic curve cryptography. Quantum computers, if advanced enough, could theoretically break the encryption securing Bitcoin transactions, exposing wallet addresses and enabling malicious actors to steal funds. This risk has gained urgency as experts like Ethereum co-creator Vitalik Buterin and quantum computing researcher Scott Aaronson caution that quantum-capable machines may arrive before 2030 according to reports. While some analysts argue Bitcoin's SHA-256 algorithm is more robust than traditional banking systems' RSA encryption according to analysis, van Eck emphasized that institutions and regulators may demand quantum-resistant upgrades sooner rather than later.

Bitcoin's transparency, another point of contention, has drawn users toward privacy coins like Zcash. VanEck highlighted that Bitcoin's public ledger-where every transaction is visible- according to reports. This shift has accelerated Zcash's 930% surge in 2025, driven by institutional investments from firms like Grayscale and Cypherpunk Technologies, as well as regulatory clarity under the U.S. Clarity Act according to market data. Zcash's dual-mode privacy features, which allow users to shield transaction details, have attracted investors seeking alternatives to Bitcoin's open design. Over 30% of Zcash's supply now resides in shielded pools, signaling a structural shift in adoption according to market analysis.

The debate has also sparked a broader reevaluation of quantum readiness in the crypto space. MicroCloud Hologram Inc., a quantum technology firm, recently introduced a "quantum degree" framework to measure synchronization in quantum systems, according to reports hinting at potential applications in securing blockchain networks. Meanwhile, partnerships like BWT Alpine F1 Team's collaboration with SEALSQ to develop post-quantum semiconductors underscore the urgency of preparing for quantum threats according to industry reports.

Bitcoin's price has dipped below $87,000 amid these concerns, exacerbated by a $1.3 billion selloff from early adopter Owen Gunden and broader market jitters over quantum risks. However, proponents argue that quantum threats remain theoretical and that Bitcoin's network has years to implement upgrades. Mel Mattison, a financial analyst, dismissed panic over quantum decryption, noting that traditional banks are equally vulnerable.

As the crypto market approaches 2026-a year some experts cite as a potential deadline for quantum-resistant upgrades-the pressure on Bitcoin's developers to act is mounting. VanEck's stance reflects a growing sentiment among institutional players that long-term crypto investments must account for both technological and regulatory shifts. For now, Zcash's rise highlights the market's appetite for privacy, but whether Bitcoin can adapt to these challenges will determine its relevance in a post-quantum era.