Quantum Internet

Last week, Linden and Sandra did a presentation on the use of quantum mechanics to create secure networks – a quantum internet. This is not the same as quantum computing, which is still only theoretical . Researchers in Vienna have succeeded in creating a secure quantum link over short distances and at relatively low speeds. The main advantage of quantum internet is that it is inherently tamper-proof and very secure. This makes it ideal for transferring encryption keys. If an observer attempts to read the bits, the laws of physics governing the particles make it impossible not to alter their state. If the bits reach the intended target unchanged, then no one else has tried to read them.

Another advantage of the quantum internet is that it utilizes quantum bits, or qubits, that can take on a value of 0 and 1 simultaneously. Also, the idea of quantum entanglement allows one thing to be in two places at once, creating a way for instant communication between two places.
There are several inherent disadvantages to this quantum network, however. Researchers are having trouble coming up with a solution to relaying quantum information over long distances. Repeaters cannot be used, since reading the information changes it irreversibly. This makes it hard to copy, back up, or broadcast data. More research needs to be done on the subject of quantum RAM for these things to be possible.

Another critique of this research is that it is strengthening an already strong part of a security system. Typically, the most vulnerable parts of internet communication isn’t the encryption, but rather the security on both end points. Quantum internet allows a key to be transferred securely, but doesn’t guarantee that key remains safe on the other computer. Keyloggers, hackers, and even onlookers could potentially get the key after it has been received.
With a more secure internet comes the question of who should be allowed to use it. Some countries censor and firewall certain information, and this system would allow invulnerability from censorship. Government may want to enforce restrictions on the type of encryption allowed in order to monitor potentially threatening communication. If this level of encryption was allowed, the government would know that someone was up to something if they were using it.

Another interesting topic discussed was how quantum research is actually making it easier to break current encryption methods. At the same time, it is allowing for a more secure network of information. We also talked about whether quantum research is a good use of taxpayer money, since it has not been extremely productive. However, it can’t be shown to be impossible if it is never researched.

Quantum internet was an interesting topic with many implications to think about. We discussed that it could be focusing on the wrong part of security, and that it raises questions of who should be allowed to use it. On a positive note, notions of instantaneous communication and 100% certainty of no eavesdroppers give potential to ongoing research in the field.