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 potential consequences for the imposition of fairness and ethical constraints on computation. Despite their significance, structured research is only beginning to be undertaken into the ethical implications of such quantum technologies, much of it piecemeal and unsystematic. In this work, we present a roadmap for prospective research programs focused upon the ethics of quantum computing. We summarize the key elements of quantum information processing (concentrating on quantum computation) relevant to ethical analysis and set out taxonomies for use by researchers considering the ethics of quantum technologies. We show how the unique features of quantum information processing may give 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. To this end, we propose a three-pillar research roadmap spanning technical foundations, governance and stakeholder responsibility, and risk management. Central to this approach is the need to integrate ethical constraints within the design and control of quantum systems, reflecting the close relationship between normative reasoning and physical implementation. We further introduce the “four C’s” (computability, complexity, consistency, and controllability) as a framework for assessing the feasibility of ethically constrained quantum computation, and illustrate how quantum technologies reshape established domains such as fair machine learning, privacy, and cryptography. Finally, we set out prospective research directions to help contribute to the development of the field. By integrating quantum information science with ethical theory and governance, this chapter provides a foundation for interdisciplinary research in quantum ethics.
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 potential consequences for the imposition of fairness and ethical constraints on computation. Despite their significance, structured research is only beginning to be undertaken into the ethical implications of such quantum technologies, much of it piecemeal and unsystematic. In this work, we present a roadmap for prospective research programs focused upon the ethics of quantum computing. We summarize the key elements of quantum information processing (concentrating on quantum computation) relevant to ethical analysis and set out taxonomies for use by researchers considering the ethics of quantum technologies. We show how the unique features of quantum information processing may give 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. To this end, we propose a three-pillar research roadmap spanning technical foundations, governance and stakeholder responsibility, and risk management. Central to this approach is the need to integrate ethical constraints within the design and control of quantum systems, reflecting the close relationship between normative reasoning and physical implementation. We further introduce the “four C’s” (computability, complexity, consistency, and controllability) as a framework for assessing the feasibility of ethically constrained quantum computation, and illustrate how quantum technologies reshape established domains such as fair machine learning, privacy, and cryptography. Finally, we set out prospective research directions to help contribute to the development of the field. By integrating quantum information science with ethical theory and governance, this chapter provides a foundation for interdisciplinary research in quantum ethics.
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.
Quantum technologies are rapidly emerging as a transformative force with profound implications for critical infrastructures, national security, and global governance. Quantum computing, quantum communications, and quantum sensing promise unprecedented advances in data processing, secure communications, and environmental and infrastructure monitoring. At the same time, their disruptive potential introduces new ethical, security, and geopolitical risks, particularly for systems that underpin modern societies such as energy networks, telecommunications, finance, transportation, and defence infrastructures. This paper examines the governance of quantum technologies for critical infrastructures, moving from ethical impact assessment to the formulation of coherent national strategies. The study argues that the unique characteristics of quantum technologies — including their high degree of complexity, dual-use nature, and capacity to undermine existing cryptographic and security frameworks — require a shift from reactive regulation to anticipatory and responsible governance. Traditional regulatory approaches are insufficient to address the speed, uncertainty, and strategic relevance of quantum innovation. Instead, the paper emphasizes the need to integrate ethical impact assessment, risk analysis, and societal considerations at the earliest stages of research, development, and deployment. Ethical governance is presented not as a constraint on innovation, but as a foundational element for ensuring trust, resilience, and long-term sustainability. The analysis situates quantum governance within a broader geopolitical context, highlighting how major global actors are investing in quantum capabilities as strategic assets. This competition increases the urgency for coordinated governance frameworks that balance technological sovereignty, security, and international cooperation. Particular attention is given to the protection of critical infrastructures and the transition towards quantum-safe systems, especially in the field of cybersecurity and secure communications. Finally, the paper outlines the implications for national and European strategies, stressing the importance of multi-level governance involving governments, international organisations, industry, and research institutions. It concludes that only a holistic approach — combining ethical foresight, anticipatory governance, and strategic planning — can ensure that quantum technologies enhance societal resilience and security rather than exacerbate systemic vulnerabilities. In this sense, quantum governance becomes a central component of future national strategies for critical infrastructure protection and technological leadership.
This book chapter explores the transformative impact of quantum innovations on the digital frontier. Focusing on key areas such as quantum computing, communication, and sensing, the chapter examines how these advancements are reshaping traditional paradigms. From breakthroughs in quantum algorithms to secure quantum communication methods, and precision-enhancing quantum sensing technologies, the chapter delves into the forefront of cutting-edge developments. Moreover, it critically addresses the challenges and ethical considerations accompanying the integration of quantum technologies into the digital landscape, emphasizing the need for responsible governance and ethical frameworks. Through a concise yet comprehensive analysis, the chapter aims to contribute to the understanding of how quantum innovations are not only pushing the boundaries of technology but also prompting crucial discussions on ethical, societal, and governance aspects.
While quantum technologies move out of laboratory research toward deployment, there are many examples of how post-quantum cryptography (PQC) migration and quantum networking can be considered ‘near-term’ governance stress tests. While this is happening, artificial intelligence is being increasingly applied in the design, calibration, and control of quantum devices and networks, which creates ‘quantum agent systems’ where agentic decision components interact with quantum computing, communication, and sensing capabilities. These two trajectories intensify ethical and societal concerns such as privacy and surveillance, cryptographic disruption, compound opacity and explainability limitations, bias and unequal benefit distribution, and dual-use and geopolitical escalation risks. This chapter brings together the provided quantum governance, quantum ethics, societal research, legal and AI governance literature to translate principles into practice. This chapter contributes (i) a governance target definition of quantum agent systems; (ii) a critical comparison of national, international, and organizational governance instruments; and (iii) a structured ESG assurance framework that links risks to stakeholders, governance mechanisms, assurance metrics, and expected outcomes. The chapter also identifies methodological limits and evidence gaps and highlights the need for early intervention, capacity-building, and intelligibility to enable inclusive oversight while technologies remain malleable. The contributions of this chapter provide a roadmap for responsible governance of quantum agent systems under uncertainty and contested trade-offs.
Abstract: Quantum computing and quantum information science constitute a rapidly evolving discipline at the intersection of physics, computer science, and information theory. This paper presents a systematic analysis of the conceptual foundations, theoretical frameworks, and technological challenges shaping the field. The discussion begins with the quantum-mechanical principles underpinning computation and information, followed by a rigorous framework analysis of key models such as qubits, entanglement, and quantum channels. The central problem addressed is the fragility of quantum states under noise and the corresponding need for reliable methods of computation, communication, and security. Methodologically, the paper integrates formal analysis of entropy and channel capacities with the study of error-correcting codes, fault-tolerant architectures, and emerging hardware platforms. The results synthesize advances in quantum algorithms, quantum error correction, quantum cryptography, and hybrid quantum–classical systems, highlighting both their theoretical limits and engineering realizations. The impact is evaluated through implications for secure communication, computational complexity, and future architectures, alongside ethical and societal reflections. By bridging foundational theory with practical challenges, the book offers a comprehensive resource that informs both academic inquiry and technological development. Its neutral, integrative perspective emphasizes not only the purpose of advancing reliable quantum technologies but also their broader implications for science, security, and society. Keywords Quantum computing, quantum information theory, quantum algorithms, quantum error correction, fault-tolerant quantum computation, quantum cryptography, quantum key distribution, post-quantum cryptography, entanglement, quantum channels, von Neumann entropy, quantum capacity, hybrid quantum–classical systems, quantum machine learning, quantum networks, emerging quantum architectures
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.