Thematic Area: widening access and inclusion From Schrödinger’s Box to Global Fairness: Ethical Dilemmas in Quantum Computing Abstract: Workshop application In the near future, quantum computing may fundamentally reshape our world: problems that once took years to solve could be unraveled in seconds. Yet access to quantum computing remains scarce, costly, and concentrated in the hands of a few corporations and research alliances. This workshop addresses a central ethical question: who should have access to this emerging resource—and on what moral grounds? We conceptualize quantum computing time as an emergent epistemic good (based on the ideas of Miranda Fricker) within a hybrid landscape: while most computations will continue to rely on classical resources, certain problems will increasingly demand quantum capacity. This hybridity raises questions of fairness, since epistemic advantage will depend not only on technical skill but also on access to scarce quantum infrastructures. Drawing on five perspectives—from medical research and climate modeling to cybersecurity, innovation in the private sector, and global poverty reduction—we explore how existential risks, individual interests, and the common good might be reconciled. As a thought experiment, a fictional global ethics council evaluates competing claims, highlighting the need for justice, inclusion, and ethical foresight in shaping access. Key questions include: What moral obligations arise from treating QC capacity as an epistemic good? How should access be widened to include marginalized communities, the Global South, and underfunded institutions? What principles of fairness and inclusion should guide the governance of this resource before inequalities become entrenched? The goal of the workshop is to collaboratively define ethical principles for allocating quantum computing resources in a hybrid future and to develop recommendations for inclusion policies within quantum education ecosystems—opening Schrödinger’s box not to unleash chaos, but to ensure that quantum futures are guided by ethical insight and shared responsibility. Keywords Quantum education, epistemic goods, access & inclusion, hybrid infrastructures, ethics, global justice
Thematic Area: widening access and inclusion From Schrödinger’s Box to Global Fairness: Ethical Dilemmas in Quantum Computing Abstract: Workshop application In the near future, quantum computing may fundamentally reshape our world: problems that once took years to solve could be unraveled in seconds. Yet access to quantum computing remains scarce, costly, and concentrated in the hands of a few corporations and research alliances. This workshop addresses a central ethical question: who should have access to this emerging resource—and on what moral grounds? We conceptualize quantum computing time as an emergent epistemic good (based on the ideas of Miranda Fricker) within a hybrid landscape: while most computations will continue to rely on classical resources, certain problems will increasingly demand quantum capacity. This hybridity raises questions of fairness, since epistemic advantage will depend not only on technical skill but also on access to scarce quantum infrastructures. Drawing on five perspectives—from medical research and climate modeling to cybersecurity, innovation in the private sector, and global poverty reduction—we explore how existential risks, individual interests, and the common good might be reconciled. As a thought experiment, a fictional global ethics council evaluates competing claims, highlighting the need for justice, inclusion, and ethical foresight in shaping access. Key questions include: What moral obligations arise from treating QC capacity as an epistemic good? How should access be widened to include marginalized communities, the Global South, and underfunded institutions? What principles of fairness and inclusion should guide the governance of this resource before inequalities become entrenched? The goal of the workshop is to collaboratively define ethical principles for allocating quantum computing resources in a hybrid future and to develop recommendations for inclusion policies within quantum education ecosystems—opening Schrödinger’s box not to unleash chaos, but to ensure that quantum futures are guided by ethical insight and shared responsibility. Keywords Quantum education, epistemic goods, access & inclusion, hybrid infrastructures, ethics, global justice
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.
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 (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].
Abstract Classical computing, which has transformed the world in unprecedented ways, has not always been deployed in ways that prioritise ethical values such as fairness, justice, and equity. The Western-focused, Silicon-Valley-centric 21st-century-computing model creates digital ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’. Quantum computers promise to be exponentially more powerful than classical computers for some classically hard problems, potentially transforming application areas such as chemistry, drug discovery, and machine learning. However, if access and control over quantum computing is not shared equitably, then this may serve to amplify existing inequalities and create even deeper divides. Here we consider some of the possible implications for responsible quantum computing, looking ahead to ways in which the rollout of quantum computing could centre ethical principles such as fairness and equity, in order to prevent the mistakes of the ‘classical-only’ past. The issues raised in this paper will be of interest to those engaged in quantum computing research and to those concerned with the societal implications of this major new technology.
The convergence of Quantum Computing (QC) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) ushers in a transformative era of computational capability, with profound implications for science and industry alongside significant technical, ethical, and environmental challenges. This article explores quantum-enhanced AI (QAI), focusing on foundational quantum principles—superposition, entanglement, and quantum parallelism—and their applications in molecular simulation, financial optimization, and climate modeling. While quantum algorithms offer exponential speedups for Machine Learning (ML) and optimization, persistent barriers such as qubit decoherence, scalability limitations, and high energy demands hinder progress. Hybrid quantum-classical architectures are identified as critical transitional tools, combining quantum processors for specialized tasks like combinatorial optimization with classical systems for error correction and data preprocessing. Near-term commercial healthcare, finance, and logistics applications are highlighted, including pilot projects using quantum neural networks (QNNs) for drug discovery, portfolio risk analysis, and supply chain optimization. However, dual-use risks—such as quantum-powered surveillance and threats to classical encryption—emphasize the need for post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and ethical frameworks. Environmental concerns, particularly the carbon footprint of superconducting qubits, drive calls for sustainable innovations like photonic qubit designs and renewable-powered quantum data centers. Anticipated milestones include fault-tolerant QNNs, standardized benchmarks for quantum advantage, and democratized cloud access. Achieving these goals requires addressing interdisciplinary talent shortages, algorithmic biases, and global disparities in quantum infrastructure. This work advocates for governance models integrating sustainability metrics and equity-focused policies to steer QAI development responsibly. By harmonizing technical innovation with ethical foresight, the quantum-AI synergy can advance solutions to global challenges while mitigating misuse and ecological harm risks.
Abstract The burgeoning field of quantum technologies presents a transformative landscape with profound implications for law and development. This abstract outlines some of the rising key issues at this critical intersection, highlighting the urgent need for interdisciplinary engagement and proactive policymaking. The unique characteristics of quantum technologies and related advancements are challenging the existing legal frameworks, particularly in intellectual property. Questions surrounding the patentability of quantum algorithms and hardware, the delicate balance between protecting innovation and fostering open access, and the potential for future patent disputes demand novel legal solutions. Ensuring equitable quantum disparities between developed and developing countries is paramount. Furthermore, the advent of quantum technologies poses a significant threat to current data security protocols. The potential to break existing encryption methods necessitates the rapid development and global adoption of postquantum cryptography. In addition, the societal and ethical implications of enhanced surveillance capabilities of quantum technologies require proactive and careful legal consideration within the privacy and civil liberties framework. Beyond security, there are fundamental ethical and societal considerations with emerging technologies. The dual-use nature of many quantum technologies raises concerns about their potential misuse. Addressing the law and development disparities inherent in this technological revolution is critical. Unequal access to research, funding, and infrastructure risks concentrating the benefits of quantum technologies in a select few nations. International collaborations, flourishing quantum ecosystem, and thoughtful technology transfer policies are essential to ensure that developing countries can participate in and benefit from this progress and enjoy these technologies to the fullest. Finally, the fast pace of innovation necessitates a reevaluation of existing regulatory challenges and innovation bottlenecks. Innovation and development should be fostered, not hindered by regulation. Adapting current legal frameworks and developing new regulations that balance fostering innovation with mitigating potential risks is crucial. There is a pressing need to create international legal standards and shared regulatory framework in the globally interconnected field of quantum technologies. In conclusion, the rise of quantum technologies presents a complex web of ethical, societal, economic, political, legal, and developmental challenges. Addressing these issues effectively requires proactive, collaborative efforts from legal scholars, policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, and the international community to ensure a future where quantum innovation contributes to equitable global development and operates within a robust and ethical legal framework.