The information paradox and the locality bound

TL;DR

This paper challenges the assumption of independent Hilbert spaces in black hole physics, arguing that gravitational effects undermine locality and question the validity of semiclassical quantum field theory near horizons.

Contribution

It demonstrates that strong gravitational effects prevent the independent treatment of interior and exterior Hilbert spaces, impacting the understanding of black hole information loss.

Findings

Locality is invalidated by gravitational effects near black holes

Quantum field theory assumptions break down in strong gravity regimes

Horizon complementarity requires reconsideration due to gravitational influences

Abstract

Hawking's argument for information loss in black hole evaporation rests on the assumption of independent Hilbert spaces for the interior and exterior of a black hole. We argue that such independence cannot be established without incorporating strong gravitational effects that undermine locality and invalidate the use of quantum field theory in a semiclassical background geometry. These considerations should also play a role in a deeper understanding of horizon complementarity.