Mar 26, 2026 15:00:00

Google has significantly moved up the deadline for preparing for 'Q Day,' the expected start of the quantum cryptography era, to 2029, stating that 'it may arrive sooner than expected.'

In preparation for 'Q Day,' the era when advanced quantum computers will crack existing encryption algorithms, Google has announced that it will set 2029 as its deadline for taking action.

Google's timeline for PQC migration

https://blog.google/innovation-and-ai/technology/safety-security/cryptography-migration-timeline/

Google Online Security Blog: Security for the Quantum Era: Implementing Post-Quantum Cryptography in Android
https://security.googleblog.com/2026/03/post-quantum-cryptography-in-android.html

Google bumps up Q Day deadline to 2029, far sooner than previously thought - Ars Technica
https://arstechnica.com/security/2026/03/google-bumps-up-q-day-estimate-to-2029-far-sooner-than-previously-thought/

Google moves post-quantum encryption timeline up to 2029 | CyberScoop
https://cyberscoop.com/google-moves-post-quantum-encryption-timeline-to-2029/

Google pointed out that 'we are entering an era where quantum computers will solve problems that even powerful supercomputers cannot handle, but this also means that quantum computers will gain the ability to crack existing cryptographic algorithms.' They emphasized the importance of strengthening protection features, as technological advancements raise concerns that even sophisticated security systems used by banks may be breached.

As part of its efforts to enhance functionality, Google began developing 'Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC),' an encryption algorithm that can withstand quantum computers, in 2016, and is also preparing to integrate the standardization criteria announced by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2024.

While NIST guidelines set 2035 as the target year for transitioning to PQC, Google has announced its own plan to achieve this by 2029.

Google argued that a proactive, multi-year transition to PQC is necessary across the entire technology industry, stating, 'We believe that by leading the way and sharing an ambitious schedule, we can accelerate transformation not only at Google but across the entire industry.'

Google has already adopted PQC in Android and plans to integrate signature protection compliant with NIST standards in the beta version of Android 17.

The U.S. National Security Agency has set 2031 as the deadline for the completion of PQC preparations within the national security system, meaning Google has set a more ambitious target than the government. However, unlike the government, there are no regulations that mandate the transition to PQC for private companies.