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UK ban on quantum computer exports is pointless, say researchers

The UK government has set limits on the capabilities of quantum computers that can be exported from the country and has declined to explain these limits on the grounds of national security. Experts say this make no sense

By Matthew Sparkes

6 June 2024

Quantum computers could one day threaten encryption – but not yet

Boykov/Shutterstock

Quantum computing experts are baffled by the UK government’s new export restrictions on the exotic devices, saying they make little sense. The legislation applies to both existing, small quantum computers that are of no practical use and larger computers that don’t actually exist, so cannot be exported. Instead, there are fears the limits will restrict sales and add bureaucracy to a new and growing sector.

The new restrictions came into effect on 1 April and…

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