Abstract This paper intends to contribute to the emerging literature on the ethical problems posed by quantum computing and quantum technologies in general. The key ethical questions are as follows: Does quantum computing pose new ethical problems, or are those raised by quantum computing just a different version of the same ethical problems raised by other technologies, such as nanotechnologies, nuclear plants, or cloud computing? In other words, what is new in quantum computing from an ethical point of view? The paper aims to answer these two questions by (a) developing an analysis of the existing literature on the ethical and social aspects of quantum computing and (b) identifying and analyzing the main ethical problems posed by quantum computing. The conclusion is that quantum computing poses completely new ethical issues that require new conceptual tools and methods.
Abstract This paper intends to contribute to the emerging literature on the ethical problems posed by quantum computing and quantum technologies in general. The key ethical questions are as follows: Does quantum computing pose new ethical problems, or are those raised by quantum computing just a different version of the same ethical problems raised by other technologies, such as nanotechnologies, nuclear plants, or cloud computing? In other words, what is new in quantum computing from an ethical point of view? The paper aims to answer these two questions by (a) developing an analysis of the existing literature on the ethical and social aspects of quantum computing and (b) identifying and analyzing the main ethical problems posed by quantum computing. The conclusion is that quantum computing poses completely new ethical issues that require new conceptual tools and methods.
Abstract As quantum computing development advances closer toward achieving fault-tolerant error-corrected realisation, debates on applications, impacts, risks, and benefits of quantum computing are timely and due. While there is awareness of the potential power and complexity of quantum computers, there has been relatively little attention on the social impacts and ethical implications of this technology. In grappling with the social impacts of quantum computing, some stakeholders have turned to applied ethics, specifically (classical) computer and Artificial Intelligence (AI) ethics, for guidance. While computer and AI ethics are useful starting points for evaluating the ethical issues posed by quantum computing, uncritically applying existing sets of ethical principles risks overlooking how quantum computing differs from these technologies. We argue that borrowing of ethical principles and guidelines from AI and computing is inappropriate for several reasons: (1) quantum computing, classical computing, and AI are different technologies with significant material differences; (2) unlike AI and classical computers which have become established, quantum computing is an emerging technology, which has implications on the levels of accessibility and immediate impact in society; and (3) there are significant differences in the way AI and quantum computing have been developed and by whom. We also briefly summarise some of the unique risks and societ al impacts posed by quantum computing. We posit that these reasons support the argument for a new sub-field of quantum computing ethics, which would allow a relevant scholarship to develop and provide guidance as quantum computing technology continues to mature.
Today, quantum computing is one of the most promising areas of modern science that can solve the problems which are too hard to handle for classical computers. However, a huge potential accompanied by a rapid progress in this area creates significant ethical risks, including threat of hacking existing cryptographic systems and the problem of non-transparent decisions made using quantum computing. The article highlights the need for timely ethical analysis, development of a regulatory framework, and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure sustainable and socially acceptable technology development. Main ethical, bioethical challenges, in particular, that arise against the background of quantum computing, and identification of possible ways to regulate them captivate special attention.
The rapid development of quantum technologies, such as quantum computing, quantum internet, and quantum sensing, has led to a growing awareness of theethical issues surrounding these technologies. This literature review aims to analyze the existing research on these ethical issues using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) literature review approach. The literature search was conducted using the following databases: Scopus ArXiv, and IEEE Xplore, and the search terms used were “quantum computing,” “quantum internet,” “quantum sensing,” “quantum technology,” AND “ethics.” Inclusion criteria were: (1) articles that addressed ethical issues related to quantum technologies and (2) articles that were written in English. A total of 14 articles were included in the review. The majority of the articles (64 percent) were published in the last 5 years. The majority of the articles (78 percent) focused on the potential impact of quantum technologies on privacy and security, with a particular emphasis on the potential for quantum computers to break encryption and the subsequent impact on privacy and security. Approximately 50 percent of the articles focused on the accessibility and responsibility dimensions of quantum technologies. This scoping review has demonstrated that there is a growing awareness of the ethical issues surrounding quantum technologies and an increasing number of researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders working to address them. Future research should continue to explore these ethical issues in more depth and develop recommendations for addressing them.
This chapter explores whether quantum computing presents fundamentally new ethical challenges or whether its dilemmas can be addressed by adapting existing ethical frameworks from classical computing. Drawing on a thematic review of the emerging literature in quantum computing ethics, we focus on key concerns three domains: security, justice, and governance. By comparing these to historical case studies from classical computing ethics and introducing the concept of "layer shifts" across technology stacks, we argue that quantum computing ethics does not require a wholesale ethical reinvention but rather a careful translation of established principles to new technical contexts. This comparative analysis highlights the enduring relevance of openness, transparency, and distributed governance while acknowledging areas where quantumspecific developments may demand novel approaches.
In Section “Introduction” we introduce the concept of quantum computing [QC]; in essence, the attempt to solve very complex computational problems characterized by numerous variables interacting simultaneously by using quantum mechanical effects (such as superposition and quantum interference). In Section “Applications of QC”, we summarise some applications of QC developed to date and discuss some of the benefits that this technology may bring about for individuals and society. In Section “Ethical Issues underlying QC”, we evaluate some of the downsides (or ethical challenges) arising from the possible wide-scale implementation of this technology. We claim that QC poses utterly new ethical challenges that will likely require novel conceptual tools and methods to be fully and properly tackled. However, we note that QC is not only crucial for the challenges it poses to ethics but also because it affords unique opportunities for enhancing our cognitive abilities and therefore for improving our cognitive profiles. Thus, in Section “QC and the Extended Mind Thesis”, we explore possible points of contact between QC and the extended mind thesis [EMT]. We argue that QC can provide solid evidence to validate some of the claims underlying EMT. Finally, we wrap up the paper (Section “Conclusion”) by summarising what we have achieved and by pointing out possible future research directions.
Quantum computing represents a revolutionary leap in computational capability, promising exponential speedups for certain classes of problems. While its technical aspects have been widely studied, its impact on entrepreneurship and business innovation is still emerging as a critical research area. This paper explores how quantum technologies enable new entrepreneurial ventures, disrupt existing business models, and pose ethical challenges. We synthesize current research from quantum information science, innovation theory, and business strategy to present a comprehensive overview. The paper identifies key opportunities for startups, analyzes the transformative effects across sectors, and discusses socio-ethical considerations, providing direction for future research and policy.