Do Black Holes Destroy Information?

TL;DR

This paper reviews the black hole information loss paradox, discusses potential resolutions, and suggests it could lead to a fundamental physics revolution, highlighting unresolved issues and theoretical challenges.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive review of the information loss paradox and explores the implications of various proposed solutions, emphasizing the need for new physics.

Findings

All proposed solutions have significant drawbacks

The paradox may indicate a need for a revolution in fundamental physics

Current theories are insufficient to resolve the paradox

Abstract

I review the information loss paradox that was first formulated by Hawking, and discuss possible ways of resolving it. All proposed solutions have serious drawbacks. I conclude that the information loss paradox may well presage a revolution in fundamental physics. (To appear in the proceedings of the International Symposium on Black Holes, Membranes, Wormholes, and Superstrings.)