Visions of future technologies shape their development trajectories, making them important objects of ethical analysis. This paper examines contemporary visions of quantum computing and the futures they project. First, we analyse vision statements by key actors in the field, focusing on anticipated technical affordances, the applications these give rise to, their associated domains, and the value-laden terms used to describe these projections. Drawing on these insights, we distil four main visions of quantum computing, each framing its societal relevance differently: as a contributor to the public good, a scientific tool, an economic asset, or a geopolitical advantage. Second, we highlight ethically salient patterns and presuppositions embedded within these visions, including a pervasive techno-optimism paired with techno-solutionist reasoning; the prevalence of promissory language used to legitimise innovation agendas; and a morally ambivalent discourse shaped by the interests of a narrow group of powerful actors. Taken together, these features form a figurative heatmap of potential ethical concerns in contemporary visions of quantum computing that warrant closer ethical scrutiny and point to avenues for further research.
Visions of future technologies shape their development trajectories, making them important objects of ethical analysis. This paper examines contemporary visions of quantum computing and the futures they project. First, we analyse vision statements by key actors in the field, focusing on anticipated technical affordances, the applications these give rise to, their associated domains, and the value-laden terms used to describe these projections. Drawing on these insights, we distil four main visions of quantum computing, each framing its societal relevance differently: as a contributor to the public good, a scientific tool, an economic asset, or a geopolitical advantage. Second, we highlight ethically salient patterns and presuppositions embedded within these visions, including a pervasive techno-optimism paired with techno-solutionist reasoning; the prevalence of promissory language used to legitimise innovation agendas; and a morally ambivalent discourse shaped by the interests of a narrow group of powerful actors. Taken together, these features form a figurative heatmap of potential ethical concerns in contemporary visions of quantum computing that warrant closer ethical scrutiny and point to avenues for further research.
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 computing, long considered a theoretical and esoteric branch of physics, is now emerging as one of the most transformative technological frontiers of the 21st century. Drawing upon the strange and powerful principles of quantum mechanics—superposition, entanglement, and interference—quantum computers offer the potential to solve certain classes of problems far beyond the capabilities of classical systems. From revolutionizing drug discovery to transforming cryptography, the long-term implications of quantum computing could rival the digital revolution of the 20th century. This essay provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of quantum computing, its scientific and technological challenges, the trajectory of future development over the next two decades, and the economic and ethical dimensions that will shape its responsible 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.
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.
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
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.