This article argues that quantum computing will radically change the copyright landscape, to
a degree far beyond that wrought by digital technologies. Quantum computing brings
exponentially greater possibilities in the tracking and tracing of content. The author has
programmed quantum computers created by IBM. This research helps ...
This article argues that quantum computing will radically change the copyright landscape, to
a degree far beyond that wrought by digital technologies. Quantum computing brings
exponentially greater possibilities in the tracking and tracing of content. The author has
programmed quantum computers created by IBM. This research helps to demonstrate how
quantum technologies operate differently to digital computers when it comes to copyright law.
Under current law, certain types of tracking technologies are favoured over others. The
quantum nature of quantum computing poses a challenge to our long-held notions of
copyright works having a clear notion of fixation, and the concept of fixed proprietary
boundaries. Quantum computers were conceived as a way to understand quantum physics,
and this feeds through into how users utilise the computers, and the copyright works made by
such computers. In short, quantum computing will radically alter not just our relations with
copyright law, but also with the State and society. There will need to be some consideration of
how to reframe copyright law, not just in terms of the challenges that quantum computing
poses, but the changing way in which such technology alters our perception of the world.