Google Clears Quantum Error Hurdle on Willow Chip, Advancing Quantum Computing

Google Quantum AI cut a critical class of quantum errors roughly 40-fold on its Willow chip, according to a new paper in Science. This technique filters rough quantum states, achieving 99.99% fidelity, which addresses a major capacity drain in quantum computing. While this advancement is significant, breaking RSA-2048 still requires errors around one in 10 billion, far beyond what Google demonstrated. Researchers note that while quantum threat is progressing (e.g., a March 2026 Google whitepaper estimated Bitcoin's elliptic curve cryptography needs under 500,000 physical qubits, compared to Willow's 105), Justin Drake suggests AI-driven mathematics on ordinary hardware may break elliptic curves first in months, advising large holders to move funds to fresh, untransacted addresses.