HardwareMultiple governments around the world have secretly agreed to restrict the export of quantum computersWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
HardwareMultiple governments around the world have secretly agreed to restrict the export of quantum computersWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
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It seems that “secret international discussions” have led to an export ban for quantum computers of a certain level of power, despite scientists around the world being unable to actually explain why.
That’s according toNew Scientistand it contacted the UK government for an explanation for export restriction, only to be told that the request was denied on the grounds of security. You might think that this is a very sensible decision because quantum computers are supposed to be able to crack any encryption in the blink of an eye.
However, while that’stheoreticallypossible, quantum computers right now are too basic and error-prone to be able to do this. In fact, such machines are so far off achieving this kind of computing zenith that there’s no logical reason to limit their export.
News that the UK had put export restrictions in place came to lightlast month, with quantum computers sporting more than 34 qubits and a specifically low enough error rate being the main ones blocked. What’s particularly unusual about this latest news is that other countries have followed suit, creating export controls that match the UK’s word-for-word, specification-for-specification.
Such countries include France, Spain, and the Netherlands, which might lead one to think that this is an EU thing. However, Canada has also done the same so it’s clearly not limited to Europe. New Scientist contacted the French embassy, where a spokesperson claimed that the controls were set on the basis of “multilateral negotiations conducted over several years under the Wassenaar Arrangement.”
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That’s an agreement tocontrol the sales of arms and goodsthat have military applications, so it raises the question as to why some governments think quantum computers meet the criteria for the arrangement. Milan Godin, an adviser to the EU, told New Scientist that quantum computers are a type of technology that has the potential to crack encryption and the potential to improve military strategies, and this could be the reason behind the move.
The upshot of this is that if you can afford to buy a quantum computer, then it looks like you’re only going to get your hands on an extremely rubbish one. For academic institutions that have set aside funds to continue research in quantum computing, this will probably mean such endeavours will have to be abandoned.
If you were hoping to see a quantum computer run a spaceship and make you a cup of Earl Grey tea (hot) in your lifetime, it looks like you’re going to be disappointed.
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Best CPU for gaming: Top chips from Intel and AMD.Best gaming motherboard: The right boards.Best graphics card: Your perfect pixel-pusher awaits.Best SSD for gaming: Get into the game first.
Best CPU for gaming: Top chips from Intel and AMD.Best gaming motherboard: The right boards.Best graphics card: Your perfect pixel-pusher awaits.Best SSD for gaming: Get into the game first.
Best CPU for gaming: Top chips from Intel and AMD.Best gaming motherboard: The right boards.Best graphics card: Your perfect pixel-pusher awaits.Best SSD for gaming: Get into the game first.
Best CPU for gaming: Top chips from Intel and AMD.Best gaming motherboard: The right boards.Best graphics card: Your perfect pixel-pusher awaits.Best SSD for gaming: Get into the game first.
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