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.
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.
Quantum Computing (QC) represents a class of technologies that harness fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, particularly superposition and entanglement, to process, transmit, and secure information in ways unattainable by classical systems [1]. Positioned at the core of Quantum Information and Communication Technologies (QICT) [2], QC is central to the ongoing Second Quantum Revolution, driving innovation infrastructures and redefining capabilities in computation, networking, and secure information exchange at fundamental levels [3]. Unlike the first quantum revolution, which focused on physics and laboratory experiments, today's Quantum technology (QT) applications are inherently digital, dependent on and deeply integrated within the digital stack, relying on cloud platforms, high-performance computing, advanced telecommunications, and potentially converging with other emerging digital technologies (EDT) such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, big data, the Internet of Things (IoT) [4], [5], offering new paradigms for the digital economy and society [6]. While there remains considerable uncertainty regarding their practical, scalable applications, the disruptive potential of QC is increasingly recognized [7] with profound ethical, legal, social, and policy implications [8] and a need for practical approaches to their governance [9]. QC is not a standalone technology, but operates as a complex innovation ecosystem where research, policy, markets, and ethics co-evolve [10].
Quantum computing represents a paradigm shift in the realm of computational technologies, promising to revolutionize industries and solve complex problems that are currently intractable for classical computers. With advancements in quantum algorithms, quantum hardware, and quantum error correction, this field is progressing rapidly, although challenges remain in achieving practical, scalable quantum computers. This paper explores the current developments in quantum computing, its implications for technology and society, and the potential impacts on industries such as cryptography, artificial intelligence, and healthcare. Additionally, the study provides an outlook on the ethical, economic, and social challenges posed by the wide-scale adoption of quantum computing.
Quantum computing harnesses the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics to process information in ways that differ radically from classical computation. Although the technology has not yet achieved large-scale, fault-tolerant maturity, it already holds the promise of major scientific advances and the capacity to address problems long considered unsolvable, with potential applications spanning finance, medicine, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. At the same time, these transformative prospects raise significant ethical challenges related to dual-use, social equity, knowledge asymmetry, data protection and human security. The Report of the World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology offers a comprehensive ethical framework and concrete recommendations for Member States and stakeholders, encouraging anticipatory reflection, inclusive governance, and responsible innovation to ensure that the development of quantum computing serves the common good. UNESCO Catno: 0000398114 UNESDOC landing page: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000398114
Quantum computing is an emerging technology (QC). Several groups and research institutions are working to make quantum computing applications a reality. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is another emerging field that is becoming more established over time. The main goal of this research is to figure out how the advancement of quantum computing technology will affect AI applications. Computational methods are used to explore the growing influence of quantum computing development for a specific AI application. This study also discusses about the impact and potential of Quantum Computing (QC) on Artificial Intelligence (AI). These can be accomplished by employing cutting-edge methods to deliver usable, economically viable, and scalable technology across a wide range of industries. On the other hand, the risk of committing errors in quantum algorithms, as well as the inability to function without being super-cooled, emerges as a major challenge. Macro-energy systems and the development of sustainable energy materials are just two areas of science and engineering that quantum computing has the potential to completely transform.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been evolving at a very rapid pace, with increase in compute power, thus reshaping how complex problems are handled and interpreted from vast amounts of information. AI and newly emerging Quantum Computing have each made significant strides in recent years. Quantum computing has surfaced as a promising new paradigm that leverages on unique quantum phenomena such as like superposition and entanglement to potentially deliver dramatic gains in computational power. Increasingly, researchers are combining these distinct fields into "quantum AI," exploring ways to harness quantum devices for data-intensive tasks, advanced optimisation, and even tentative investigations into emergent machine "awareness." Already researchers have established the quantum advantage over classical AI. This paper outlines the fundamental aspects of AI with respect to quantum computing. It also surveys possible benefits for deep learning and optimization, and considers key concerns related to hardware readiness, algorithmic design, and ethical frameworks. By mapping current progress and pinpointing ongoing hurdles, we provide an entry-level guide to quantum AI's prospects and the steps required for its real-world deployment.
Quantum information technologies, covering quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum sensing, are among the most significant technologies to emerge in recent decades, offering the promise of paradigm-shifting computational capacity with significant ethical consequences. On a technical level, the unique features of quantum information processing have consequences for the imposition of fairness and ethical constraints on computation. Despite its significance, little if no structured research has been undertaken into the ethical implications of such quantum technologies. In this paper, we fill this gap in the literature by presenting a roadmap for ethical quantum computing (and quantum information processing more generally) that sets out prospective research programmes. We summarise the key elements of quantum information processing (focusing on quantum computation) relevant to ethical analysis and set-out taxonomies for use by researchers considering the ethics of quantum technologies. In particular, we demonstrate how the unique features of quantum information processing gives rise to distinct ethical consequences (including in the context of machine learning). We situate quantum ethics at the cross-disciplinary intersection of quantum information science, technology ethics and moral philosophy to assess the impacts of this newly emerging technology. We provide specific examples of how the emergence of quantum technologies gives rise to normative and distributional ethical challenges. Finally, we set out prospective research directions to help inaugurate the cross-disciplinary field of the ethics of quantum computing.