M. Taddeo, A. Blanchard, & K. Pundyk
Nature.com
Comment
Quantum technologies can help to defend nations, but they also threaten human rights and values. Their design and development need ethical guidance, before it is too late.
Quantum technologies hold great promise for aiding national defence, by sharpening how countries collect data, analyse intelligence, commu-nicate and develop materials and weapons. For instance, quantum sensors — which use quantum behaviours to measure forces and radiation — can detect objects with precision and sensitivity, even underground or underwater. Quantum communications systems that are resistant to jamming can revolutionize command and control.
Interest is growing globally. For example, in 2023, the US Department of Defense announced a US$45-million project to integrate quantum components into weapons sys-tems to increase the precision of targeting. The nation also tested a quantum receiver for long-range radio communications. The UK Ministry of Defence (which funds some of our research) is investing in quantum sensors and clocks. Earlier this year, it tested a quantum-based navigation system that cannot be jammed. India’s Ministry of Defence is investing in the use of quantum ‘keys’ to encrypt sensitive mil-itary data. China is also developing quantum capabilities for defence, including a quantum radar system that can overcome ‘stealth’ technology, which is designed to make aeroplanes or ships, for example, hard to detect using conventional radar.
Here are some thoughts:
Quantum technologies present significant opportunities for enhancing military and defense capabilities, particularly in areas such as sensing, communications, and computing. However, they also pose serious ethical risks related to privacy, human rights, and responsible use.
Currently, there is a notable lack of ethical governance frameworks specifically tailored for quantum technologies in defense. It is crucial to develop these frameworks proactively before the technologies are fully mature and deployed. The article advocates for an "anticipatory ethical governance approach" that includes six key principles: developing risk categorization models, countering authoritarian and unjust uses, ensuring justified and balanced securitization, fostering multilateral collaboration and oversight, prioritizing information security, and promoting societal benefits.
Taking this anticipatory approach is critical; waiting until quantum technologies are fully developed will be too late to effectively mitigate risks. Involving diverse stakeholders—such as scientists, ethicists, and policymakers—in assessing risks and developing governance frameworks is essential. Additionally, there must be a balance between national security interests and the broader societal benefits of quantum technologies, as overly restrictive securitization could hinder beneficial applications. International cooperation and oversight mechanisms will also be vital since the impacts of quantum technologies will transcend borders.
By learning from the challenges faced in AI governance, we can avoid similar pitfalls with quantum technologies. Ultimately, proactive investment in ethical governance now—though potentially costly—will be far less expensive than attempting to address harms after they occur. Failing to act risks severe negative consequences for human rights and societal values.
