Quantum Computing and Copyright Law: A Wave of Change or a Mere Irrelevant Particle?

Abstract

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.