Quantum computers as an amplifier for existential risk

TL;DR

This paper explores how quantum computing could significantly influence existential risks for humanity, emphasizing both potential dangers and mitigation strategies, and calls for increased scientific efforts to manage these risks.

Contribution

It provides a new perspective on quantum computing's impact on existential risk, highlighting the need for proactive risk reduction efforts.

Findings

Quantum simulation could amplify existential risks.

Quantum computing may have both risk-enhancing and mitigating effects.

Call for increased scientific focus on quantum risk management.

Abstract

Quantum computing is expected to have a profound impact on society. In this work we discuss the potential consequences on existential risk for humanity. Even with the timeline for large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computing still unclear, it is highly likely that quantum computers will eventually realize an exponential speedup for certain practical applications. We identify quantum simulation as the most relevant application in this regard and we qualitatively outline different risk trajectories. Both amplifying and mitigating effects of quantum computing for existential risk are anticipated. In order to prevent quantum computing from being an amplifier of existential risk, we call for increased efforts by the scientific community towards reducing potential future quantum risk. This viewpoint seeks to add a new perspective to the discussion on technological risk of quantum computing.