UK Imposes Mysterious Ban On Quantum Computer Exports (newscientist.com) 19
Longtime Slashdot reader MattSparkes shares a report from NewScientist: Quantum computing experts are baffled by the UK government's new export restrictions on the exotic devices (source paywalled), saying they make little sense. [The UK government has set limits on the capabilities of quantum computers that can be exported -- starting with those above 34 qubits, and rising as long as error rates are also higher -- and has declined to explain these limits on the grounds of national security.] The legislation applies to both existing, small quantum computers that are of no practical use and larger computers that don't actually exist, so cannot be exported. Instead, there are fears the limits will restrict sales and add bureaucracy to a new and growing sector. For more context, here's an excerpt from an article published by The Telegraph in March: The technology has been added to a list of "dual use" items that could have military uses maintained by the Export Control Joint Unit, which scrutinizes sales of sensitive goods. A national quantum computer strategy published last year described the technology as being "critically important" for defense and national security and said the UK was in a "global race" to develop it. [...] The changes have been introduced as part of a broader update to export rules agreed by Western allies including the US and major European countries. Several nations with particular expertise on quantum computer technologies have added specific curbs, including France which introduced rules at the start of this month.
Last year, industry body Quantum UK said British companies were concerned about the prospect of further export controls, and that they could even put off US companies seeking to relocate to the UK. Quantum computer exports only previously required licenses in specific cases, such as when they were likely to lead to military use. Oxford Instruments, which makes cooling systems for quantum computers, said last year that sales in China had been hit by increasing curbs. James Lindop of law firm Eversheds Sutherland said: "Semiconductor and quantum technologies -- two areas in which the UK already holds a world-leading position -- are increasingly perceived to be highly strategic and critical to UK national security. This will undoubtedly create an additional compliance burden for businesses active in the development and production of the targeted technologies."
Last year, industry body Quantum UK said British companies were concerned about the prospect of further export controls, and that they could even put off US companies seeking to relocate to the UK. Quantum computer exports only previously required licenses in specific cases, such as when they were likely to lead to military use. Oxford Instruments, which makes cooling systems for quantum computers, said last year that sales in China had been hit by increasing curbs. James Lindop of law firm Eversheds Sutherland said: "Semiconductor and quantum technologies -- two areas in which the UK already holds a world-leading position -- are increasingly perceived to be highly strategic and critical to UK national security. This will undoubtedly create an additional compliance burden for businesses active in the development and production of the targeted technologies."
Doesn't add up (Score:3)
So, on one hand, we're told the bans don't make sense because quantum computing tech is "of no practical use" and/or "doesn't exist".
Then we're told the problem is that regulations will "restrict sales"... of these useless, non-existent products.
Doesn't quite add up, until you realize this is a rare example of regulation being applied proactively instead of after the problem. Breaking all the world's encryption could have an effect similarly disruptive as a few nukes going off. So it should be treated as seriously as nuclear proliferation.
Re:Doesn't add up (Score:4, Funny)
Kind of spooky!
Re: (Score:2)
Just that QCs cannot "break all the world's encryption". Block ciphers remain secure as long as they have > 200 bit key lengths. Public-Key ciphers can nicely move out of range if QCs ever amount to anything (it is unclear whether they ever will).
World Leading? (Score:3)
>Semiconductor and quantum technologies -- two areas in which the UK already holds a world-leading position
Really?
There is certainly research going on but I wouldn't call it world leading.
The UK has been pissing away its semiconductor edge for decades. That's why I left for the US.
Re: (Score:2)
The UK always describes itself as "World Leading" in everything. It's one of those lies that is repeated so often that it barely registers anymore.
Re: (Score:2)
So you are saying we are world leading in describing ourselves as world leading?
Take that Johnny Foreigner!
Re: (Score:2)
Well, the US is doing the same, so the UK is emulating that lie.
Re: (Score:2)
I suspect this legislation is borne of a few things:
1) A zombie government that can't find it's backside with both hands
2) The US intelligence services "encouraging" the UK to put in legislation like this, as something of a "trial balloon" for doing the same thing in the USA (ie. it tests the public reaction, and it also allows US law makers to say "well, the limeys are doing it, so should we").
3) That the UK has some ability to make parts which could be used to construct a quantum computer, and so "the pow
"This shirt is a munition" 2.0 thinkgeek shirt (Score:3)
If you observe the ban (Score:4, Funny)
Do you alter it in the process?
Re:If you observe the ban (Score:5, Funny)
Do you alter it in the process?
Yes and you are both innocent and guilty until the judge observes you.
With 35 qubits one can break any blockchain (Score:4, Funny)
So you don'twant to have that fall in the wrong hands else someone will be able to forge the FairTrade chocolate delivery certificates.
Re: (Score:2)
How ever will we be able to exchange monopoly tokens for heroin if we cant trust blockchains!
They want to avoid foreign (Score:5, Funny)
entanglements.
Obviously (Score:5, Funny)
They want to trick their rivals into trying to develop a quantum computer.
Good move (Score:2)
Now people will start thinking the UK has valuable quantum technology worth hiding.
Don't overthink this. (Score:2)
The Tory government has shown itself to be completely incompetent and led by morons. They simply have no clue what they are doing.
This is probably some half-witted idea that the government can shield itself from the Horizon scandal by banning Quantum Computer exports. Perhaps Fujitsu (formerly respected computer company ICL Plc) is developing some quantum computer technology?