Google targets transition to post-quantum cryptography by 2029
Google has outlined a timeline for implementing post-quantum cryptography (PQC), naming 2029 as a key milestone for new security standards. The company is signaling that the issue is no longer hypothetical but requires preparation for expected changes in data protection.
This is no longer just about internal processes. Google is effectively pushing the market to accelerate — from developers to major technology and financial companies.
Why the quantum threat is becoming real
The core issue is that advances in quantum computing could undermine existing cryptographic algorithms. These systems form the backbone of the internet — from payment security to digital signatures and cryptocurrency transactions. The “store now, decrypt later” scenario is already being discussed, where data is collected today to be decrypted in the future.
Google emphasizes that delaying the transition is no longer an option:
“As a pioneer in both quantum and PQC, it’s our responsibility to lead by example and share an ambitious timeline.”
The company is also updating its threat model, prioritizing authentication systems and digital signatures — key components of online security that will be among the first affected by cryptographically relevant quantum computers (CRQC). At the same time, Google is deploying algorithms designed to withstand such attacks.
Practical implementation is already underway. Android 17 is expected to support PQC signatures (ML-DSA) in line with NIST standards. Similar updates are gradually being introduced in Chrome and cloud services.
What it means for the industry
The shift to PQC is not a simple protocol upgrade but a broad transformation of the digital ecosystem. It will impact software, infrastructure, and standards. According to industry estimates, the process will take years and require a major overhaul of existing systems.
Google’s 2029 target effectively sets a benchmark for the industry. This is particularly important for banks, cloud providers, and government systems, where data protection must be ensured over long time horizons.
At the same time, progress in quantum technology is accelerating. Companies like IBM and Microsoft are already demonstrating advances in error correction and system scaling, increasing pressure on the industry to act.
There is also movement within the crypto sector. Ethereum developers have launched a dedicated resource hub focused on protecting the network from quantum threats. This reflects the scale of the challenge: an ecosystem holding billions in assets and driven by DeFi growth requires action in advance, not a reaction after the fact.
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