Encryption had been around for a long time before the first papers on the idea of making a cryptocurrency were written back in the late '90s. Then, it was more time before the "theory" was developed enough so that someone could actually develop the software. Then the software had to be developed.
Even with manufacturers adding hardware to all the new motherboards so that the NSA can spy on everyone right at their source, their home computer, people will still figure ways around this. For example, there are methods, right now, for printing graphene microchips on plastic film. With the advent of the 3D printer, we will all be making our own computers, right at home, in a few short years from now.
Anonymity is not necessarily being hidden. It might be something like the Matrix movies - hidden because of similarities to everyone else in the crowd. There just might come a time when there is enough garbage info broadcasted out there that even a quantum computer will not be able to sift through it all. That is anonymity.
I wouldnt be surprised if every electronic device had something to spy on its user.I dont agree though with
"It might be something like the Matrix movies - hidden because of similarities to everyone else in the crowd. There just might come a time when there is enough garbage info broadcasted out there that even a quantum computer will not be able to sift through it all. That is anonymity."
because you dont have to know everything possible about everyone to identify anyone.So I guess a quantum computer wo/uld/nt be really needed to do that