> > *Identical wording placing limits on the export of quantum computers has > appeared in regulations across the globe. There doesn't seem to be any > scientific reason for the controls, and all can be traced to secret > international discussions*
*Secret* international discussions have resulted in governments across the > world imposing *identical* export controls on quantum computers, while > *refusing* to disclose the scientific rationale behind the regulations. > Although quantum computers theoretically have the potential to threaten > national security by breaking encryption techniques, even the most advanced > quantum computers currently in public existence are too small and too > error-prone to achieve this, rendering the bans seemingly pointless. > The UK is one of the countries that has prohibited the export of > <https://www.newscientist.com/article/2431853-uk-ban-on-quantum-computer-exports-is-pointless-say-researchers/> > quantum > computers with 34 or more quantum bits, or qubits, and error rates below a > certain threshold. The intention seems to be to restrict machines of a > certain capability, but the UK government hasn’t explicitly said this. A *New > Scientist* *freedom of information request* for a rationale behind these > numbers *was turned down on the grounds of national security*. https://www.newscientist.com/article/2436023-multiple-nations-enact-mysterious-export-controls-on-quantum-computers/
