Different countries are creating and improving information systems that increase the efficiency of city management. Their research takes place within the concept of a smart city. The article considers the formation of this concept in the Russian Federation and its evolution abroad. Information systems “smart city” involve the transfer of a significant amount of data, protected by the methods of classical cryptography, through communication lines. The level of development of quantum technologies allowed us to conclude that this method of information security will not be effective in the medium term. Smart city systems have already lost their cryptographic strength for retrospective attacks. The article analyzes data protection options for information system smart city under quantum threat conditions. Based on the classification of city services, the authors propose a differentiated approach to information security, combining post-quantum cryptography and quantum communication technologies. This will allow the optimal use of public resources and create a smart city information system resistant to quantum computer attacks. We completed this article within the Governmental Assignment: “Russian Legal System in the Realities of Digital Transformation of Society and State: Adaptation and Prospects for Responding to Modern Challenges and Threats (FSMW-2023-0006)”. Registration number: 1022040700002-6-5.5.1.
Different countries are creating and improving information systems that increase the efficiency of city management. Their research takes place within the concept of a smart city. The article considers the formation of this concept in the Russian Federation and its evolution abroad. Information systems “smart city” involve the transfer of a significant amount of data, protected by the methods of classical cryptography, through communication lines. The level of development of quantum technologies allowed us to conclude that this method of information security will not be effective in the medium term. Smart city systems have already lost their cryptographic strength for retrospective attacks. The article analyzes data protection options for information system smart city under quantum threat conditions. Based on the classification of city services, the authors propose a differentiated approach to information security, combining post-quantum cryptography and quantum communication technologies. This will allow the optimal use of public resources and create a smart city information system resistant to quantum computer attacks. We completed this article within the Governmental Assignment: “Russian Legal System in the Realities of Digital Transformation of Society and State: Adaptation and Prospects for Responding to Modern Challenges and Threats (FSMW-2023-0006)”. Registration number: 1022040700002-6-5.5.1.
The leading countries across the world have entered the race to develop quantum technologies that will enable them to ensure their continued economic prosperity. Among these technologies, a special place is occupied by quantum communication, which is designed to ensure information security in an era where a quantum computer is capable of compromising a number of cryptography algorithms. In this article, this new digital technology includes quantum key distribution and encryption methods that are cryptographically resistant to a quantum computer. The study does not consider the regulation of the quantum communication sub-technology, the so-called “quantum internet,” due to the technical limitations of the existing equipment. The authors note that their predictions about the cryptographic strength of encryption algorithms are based solely on modern knowledge about the capabilities of quantum computing and do not take into account its hidden potential, for example, in terms of cryptanalysis information systems based on a machine learning model generated by a quantum computer. Currently, the only data protection system that is not subject to quantum threats is the technology of quantum key distribution. In today’s information and digital age, information security systems are an important element of critical infrastructure. Given the importance of these technologies, different states use different methods to regulate this field. This article puts forward and substantiates the hypothesis that the implementation of a combination of regulatory legal acts could have a greater positive impact on the development of quantum communication and ensure an acceptable level of information security in the post-quantum era. The analysis showed that a significant number of states and interstate associations are conducting research in this area, relying only on investment growth. This strategy has prevented any country from achieving the competencies of the People’s Republic of China. The authors also analyzed the methods of legal support used by China, Russia, and other countries in the field of quantum communication, which made it possible to identify a model of legal regulation of quantum communication that stimulates this technology’s development.
The article provides an overview of the digital technology quantum communication and its place among end-to-end digital technologies. Also the problem of quantum threat to the information security of the Russian Federation is considered. The cryptography used today is based on discrete logarithms or factorization, which will lose their cryptographic strength after the implementation of a quantum computer. All countries have started to analyze and develop new information security technologies which are capable to ensure its confidentiality in the quantum era.The article analyzes the experience of building a new information security system in several countries (Great Britain, the European Union, the USA, China). The analysis made it possible to evaluate Russian actions in this area, as well as to identify shortcomings in the regulatory framework governing quantum cryptography, which include quantum key distribution, quantum random number generator, post-quantum cryptography.The author substantiates the need for the introduction of an experimental legal regime and the creation of the «cryptographic agility». The implementation of these proposals will help to prepare a regulatory framework for data migration to an environment protected by cryptographic ciphers resistant to quantum computing. The quantum communication is a new way to protect information in a digital state, where data plays a key role, and their confidentiality and integrity become the key to national security.
With the rapid development of quantum technologies and the growth of complex cyber threats, it is particularly important to create reliable data protection methods that can guarantee the unconditional security of transmitted information.Quantum cryptography works based on stuff like superposition (the ability of particles to be in several states at once), quantum entanglement (how they're connected from a distance), and the fact that it's impossible to exactly copy or change a quantum state.The application of these principles makes it possible to implement quantum key distribution, which ensures the detection of any interference in the communication channel and makes it impossible to intercept information unnoticed.The article analyzes the most well-known quantum cryptographic protocols, in particular BB84 and E91, their architecture, principles of operation, and features of implementation in military conditions.The composition of typical quantum protection systems is considered: light pulse sources, channels for transmitting quantum data, devices for receiving them, information processing modules, and conventional communication channels for control.The issues of compatibility of quantum solutions with the existing infrastructure of military telecommunications systems are considered, and the prospects for hybrid cryptographic models combining quantum and post-quantum approaches are analyzed.A comparative analysis of traditional and quantum cryptography is carried out according to criteria such as reliability, scalability, resistance to attacks, and development potential.The main advantages of using quantum cryptography in the defense sector are highlighted, in particular, ensuring a secure command communication channel, protecting navigation and telemetry systems, and the secure operation of distributed networks in combat conditions.Examples of international developments and research are considered, in particular, the DARPA Quantum Network, the Chinese Micius satellite, and EU projects within the Quantum Flagship initiative.These examples demonstrate the interest of leading countries in introducing quantum technologies into the field of national security.The potential of quantum cryptography as a means of updating and strengthening the cyber defense system in № 8(49) 2025 1018 the defense sector has been identified, taking into account both current challenges and future threats in the digital environment.
This article examines the legal regulation of quantum communications in the financial sector, which is viewed as a priority area for ensuring information security and the resilience of the national economy. It is noted that the rapid development of quantum computing is fundamentally altering the balance in the field of cybersecurity: in the foreseeable future, traditional cryptographic mechanisms may lose their robustness, creating risks for the functioning of the national payment system, the stability of credit and financial institutions, and public trust in financial transactions. In these circumstances, quantum key distribution (QKD) and post-quantum algorithms become key instruments capable of ensuring a fundamentally new level of information protection and of shaping a sustainable architecture of digital security. The methodological basis of the study consists of comparative legal analysis and a comparison of foreign regulatory practices (the European Union, Singapore, China and Brazil) with Russian strategic instruments and pilot initiatives. International experience shows that the implementation of quantum communications is pursued through inclusion in strategic programmes, development of standards, creation of “regulatory sandboxes,” and support for pilot projects. Particular attention is given to the need to harmonise national approaches and to develop international agreements capable of eliminating regulatory fragmentation. A domestic model of legal regulation is taking shape in Russia: concepts and roadmaps through 2030 have been approved; preliminary national standards (PNST 829–832) have been adopted; the GOST R 57580.x series is being developed; quantum cryptography tools are being certified; and pilot projects are being implemented with the participation of major financial organisations. At the same time, the study identifies barriers hindering further development—fragmentation of the regulatory framework, complex procurement procedures, and insufficient institutional coordination among the state, business and the academic community. Priority areas are proposed, including institutionalisation of experimental legal regimes, establishment of permanent expert platforms, expansion of pilot-project practice, harmonisation of national rules with international initiatives, and development of a national quantum communications infrastructure. The article concludes that consolidation of legal, organisational and technical measures will strengthen technological sovereignty and ensure long-term protection of the financial system against quantum threats.
Quantum communication is among the key segments of the data economy in Russia and of the digital economy in China. Both countries are developing legal frameworks for the quantum communication. In Russia, this process takes place predominantly at the federal level, whereas China has an integrated regulatory system in which provinces with advancing quantum technologies also play an active role in adopting legal instruments for their regulation. The article analyses the specific features of provincial-level regulation of quantum communication in China. Particular emphasis is placed on the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, and specifically on measures to support and develop quantum technologies that have been approved by its Administrative Committee—the “Measures for Promoting the Development of Quantum Science and Industry in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area.” The article further examines regulation in Zhejiang Province and Hangzhou, in Anhui Province and the Hefei High-Tech Zone, as well as in other provinces (Shanghai, Nanjing, Guangdong). These jurisdictions focus predominantly working out specific measures to stimulate and advance technologies, aimed at achieving their world-class level, which in turn presupposes a systematic approach. Recently, the Russian economy has seen the implementation of several projects involving the creation and use of quantum communication and related equipment, some of them have been introduced at the level of Russia’s regions. Under the Russian Constitution, matters concerning communications and information technology fall within federal jurisdiction. Since regions have not been vested with the corresponding powers, they may regulate only supportive activities for innovative projects in this field. By comparing China’s integrated, province-level regulation with Russia’s primarily federal-level framework, the article provides an understanding of how both countries legally support the development of quantum communication. While adopting a comparative perspective, the analysis places particular emphasis on China’s regulatory architecture and province-level practices. This analysis reveals common challenges and distinct pathways in designing legal mechanisms for quantum technologies in different constitutional settings.
The article analyzes the current state of legal regulation of quantum communications as one of the key varieties of quantum technologies. The analysis of the definitions of “quantum communications” available in the current legislation is carried out, their legal nature as a variety of information and digital technologies is determined. The legal concept of “quantum communications” is formulated. The current legislation in the field of quantum communications is analyzed. The main directions of legal regulation of quantum communications in Russia, the key problems that arise in this case are identified. The development of the Concept of regulatory legal regulation of the quantum communications industry in the Russian Federation is proposed. The analysis of the legal regulation of relations arising in connection with the use of quantum communications indicates a clear lack of methodological support for these processes, the absence of a unified approach to understanding what constitutes “quantum communications”, how it is necessary to develop Russian legislation to ensure the breakthrough introduction of quantum communications. An analysis of the regulation of the quantum communications industry in the world indicates that regulation at the level of strategies, concepts, road-maps and development programs is predominant in this process. An important mechanism of state regulation of the development of quantum communications is the state financing of support for projects in the field of quantum communications. The authors have identified several approaches that have developed abroad to the regulation of quantum technologies, including quantum communications, at the level of strategic regulation. The key promising issues in the field of quantum communications that have found legal regulation in foreign countries, which can be applied in Russia, are identified. The key measures of state support for the quantum communications industry, which should find regulatory reflection in the near future, are identified and systematized.