Multiple nations enact mysterious export controls on quantum computers
Secret international discussions have led to multiple countries imposing export controls on quantum computers without disclosing the scientific basis. Bans based on qubit numbers and error rates align with the Wassenaar Arrangement, sparking industry speculation about hindering innovation.
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Secret international discussions have led to multiple countries imposing identical export controls on quantum computers without disclosing the scientific basis behind these regulations. Despite the potential national security threat posed by quantum computers breaking encryption, current public quantum computers are too small and error-prone to achieve this, making the bans appear unnecessary. The UK, France, Spain, the Netherlands, and Canada have all implemented export restrictions based on qubit numbers and error rates, with the UK citing cyber risks as a reason for their controls. These restrictions align with the Wassenaar Arrangement, a system followed by 42 states to regulate dual-use technologies. Industry experts are puzzled by the bans' criteria and speculate that they may aim to limit quantum computers that are too advanced to be simulated on conventional computers, potentially hindering innovation in the field. The lack of transparency surrounding the decision-making process and the identical nature of the bans across countries raise questions about the motivations behind these export controls.
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4 commentsThe main reason that nations and multinational corporations have been investing in post-quantum cryptography is the looming threat of Store Now Decrypt Later attacks.
Given that, it makes logical sense they would also want to control exports of the tech that would undo their other investments. But they don't want to stymy industry or academia, so they set a threshold that prevents the unlimited distribution of practical tech that may be cryptography-relevant.
This is even less surprising when you consider the biggest investor into quantum computers is China, and probably not for philanthropic reasons.
One curiosity I have: Do they mean 34 stable cubits, or would 34 unstable cubits count?
So confirmed to be not mysterious and instead enacted through a defined a known process? The only mysterious part is countries not sharing the analysis for the specific qubits but that doesn’t sound too unreasonable.
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