Chrome Unveils Plan For Quantum-Safe HTTPS Certificates

**Executive summary:** Google Chrome is developing Merkle Tree Certificates (MTCs) through the IETF PLANTS working group to make HTTPS resilient to future quantum attacks by replacing long post-quantum X.509 chains with compact Merkle-tree-based inclusion proofs; a three-phase rollout (feasibility testing with Cloudflare, CT log operator bootstrapping in early 2027, and a dedicated quantum-resistant root store in late 2027) and governance changes are planned while maintaining compatibility with existing CAs.