Quantum technologies and their danger to the modern world

The United Nations has declared an “International Year of Quantum Science and Technology” to emphasize its growing importance and impact. The main goal of this initiative is to raise awareness of discoveries in quantum physics and their potential to transform the future. Quantum science is one of the most enigmatic and revolutionary fields that is already changing the world, from quantum computers that can solve problems beyond the reach of traditional computing systems to quantum cryptography that promises absolute data security. The science of the quantum world has entered an era of practical realization. Whereas concepts such as quantum entanglement once seemed like pure theory, today they are being applied to technology. The world is ready for more widespread implementation of these developments, but understanding quantum physics is still complex. For example, the ideas of superposition, entanglement or Schrödinger's cat are still baffling even to people with a science background. The UN initiative emphasizes the importance of this science in shaping the future by making it accessible to the public and stimulating its development in various countries.

The fundamentals of quantum mechanics are now being used to build the first quantum computers, communication systems and sensors. In the future, it could also be the basis for the next generation of artificial intelligence (AI). We are now in the early stages of an expensive and resource-intensive quantum race between the world's great powers. The competition for leadership in the quantum domain will play an important role in shaping economic and security policy.

Investing in quantum technologies

The injection of money into quantum technologies has increased significantly in recent years due to their strategic importance and huge potential in various fields. This trend is attracting attention from both government organizations and the private sector, especially in areas such as computing, communications, and data security.

The US actively supports the development of quantum technologies thanks to the National Quantum Initiative Act, adopted in 2018. This program is aimed at funding scientific research, technology development and training of specialists in the field of quantum science. The investment amounts are in the billions of dollars, which emphasizes the priority of this field for the country. China is also aiming to take the lead in the quantum race. Its national quantum program has received funding of about 15 billion dollars. These funds are directed to projects in quantum computing and communications, including the creation of quantum networks that promise to provide an unprecedented level of security. The European Union has initiated a large-scale Quantum Flagship project, allocating 1 billion euro for research and development in this area. The program covers a wide range of technologies, from quantum sensors to communications and computers, indicating a comprehensive approach to the development of this industry.

The private sector is also playing a key role in the quantum revolution. Large corporations such as IBM, Google and Microsoft are investing billions of dollars to create quantum computers and related cloud services. In addition, startups in the field of quantum technologies are attracting significant attention from investors. For example, the American company Rigetti has received hundreds of millions of dollars to develop innovative solutions that can accelerate the development of applied quantum technologies. Such a large-scale injection of resources demonstrates that quantum technologies are becoming a priority on a global level, both in scientific and commercial spheres.

Quantum technologies and security

Qubit-based quantum technologies have the potential to dramatically increase computing power, transform communication networks and optimize the flow of goods, resources and capital. A wide range of industries will be transformed, including telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, banking, mining and data collection. Of greatest concern to the world's governments, however, is the impact of quantum technologies on national security.

Quantum radar, cryptography, internet, sensors and GPS are being developed by military and defense contractors around the world. The first country to adopt quantum technologies could create a new power imbalance and danger to other countries. Quantum communication systems are capable of creating absolutely secure and tamper-proof communication channels. A prototype of such a network has already connected several major cities in China over a distance of almost 5,000 kilometers. On the other hand, there is a risk that quantum computers will eventually be able to decrypt classical encrypted messages in seconds. This is known as “Q-Day.”

Quantum AI is being developed to enhance the capabilities of lethal autonomous weapons. Do we really want swarms of drones operating in interconnected war zones without human intervention? Quantum sensors, which are already in use today, can make highly sensitive measurements of magnetic and gravitational fields. This makes it possible to locate metals and large objects underground and underwater.

Now we must ask a difficult question

Virtually every new and sophisticated technology has unintended consequences or unforeseen disasters. Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, and Fukushima attest to the risks of early nuclear technologies based on quantum scientific breakthroughs. Given the potential speed and interconnectedness of machine quantum learning and cloud computing, a disruption of artificial quantum intelligence could start as a localized incident but quickly escalate into a global crisis. The first use of nuclear weapons also sparked a global disarmament debate, led by some scientists involved in the development of the atomic bomb. However, their voices were drowned out by the politics of fear and the Cold War, resulting in a costly arms race and nuclear confrontation that continues to this day.