FCMP Update and More with Diego Salazar of Cypher Stack | EPI 379

·1 hr 41 min·5 clips

Diego Salazar explains why the Monero team takes painstaking time with FCMP upgrades, calling it a point of pride.

The episode begins with hosts and guests reflecting on the recent Monerotopia conference in Mexico City, praising its community and cypherpunk vibe. Diego Salazar and Luke from Cypher Stack are introduced to discuss their work on Full Chain Membership Proofs (FCMP++). Diego explains that after months of mathematical formalization, the team is now in a phase of ensuring the code correctly implements the math, with audits coordinated by the Monero Research Lab. He mentions an upcoming 'FCMP Grimoire' document compiling all research. The hosts pivot to asking about AI's role in cryptography and code auditing. Luke shares a personal experiment where AI gave subtly incorrect answers on advanced sieve theory, leading him to caution against its use for novel cryptographic work. Diego frames AI as a tool best used by experts who can vet its output. The discussion then turns to quantum computing. Diego outlines the trade-off between 'perfectly binding' and 'perfectly blinding' cryptography, warning that quantum computers could break current systems, potentially allowing infinite Monero printing. Luke adds context on quantum computing's practical limitations and error correction challenges. Cryptographer Freeman joins live mid-episode. He aggressively critiques common 'quantum resistance' claims in cryptocurrencies, arguing that if one falls to a quantum computer, all will fall nearly simultaneously due to the nature of the underlying mathematical problems. He suggests a hybrid transition approach is smarter than rushing to post-quantum schemes. Freeman also introduces the concept of 'quantum money'—a theoretical, physically uncounterfeitable currency based on quantum bits. The episode wraps with reflections on the inherent risks in cryptographic engineering and the importance of parallel experimentation in the space.

As heard by us

A measured Monero update that turns quantum risk into a concrete privacy question.

This episode stays close to the work behind Monero's progress. The discussion is patient about why things take time: the point is to get the work right, keep the checks and balances in place, and let the conversation do some of the heavy lifting.

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Why you'd press play

You want a sober Monero check-in on privacy math, quantum risk, and how the work is being handled.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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