Circle has announced the launch of a new blockchain called "Arc". Its key feature is built-in support for post-quantum cryptographic signatures. This will protect user wallets from the very first day the network goes live.
Circle has expressed concern that quantum computers capable of breaking modern encryption could arrive as early as 2030 - or even sooner. Unlike many other projects, Arc is not waiting for that moment to arrive; it is preparing in advance.
At the same time, the company does not plan to force an update on the entire network. Users of Arc will be given the option to create quantum-resistant wallets on their own. This approach is especially important for institutional investors: they can start protecting their assets right now, without giving up the development tools they are used to or disrupting their current processes.
Protection against quantum threats in Arc covers more than just wallets. It includes the entire blockchain infrastructure: data privacy, validator authentication, and even external services. Circle emphasizes that long-term resilience is not an optional extra, but a basic requirement for any security-related decisions in blockchain.