What Would Teller Do?

Only time will tell if and when the problems of building a quantum computer can be overcome….As information becomes the world’s most valuable commodity, the economic, political and military fate of nations will depend on the strength of ciphers. Consequently, the development of a fully operational quantum computer would imperil our personal privacy, destroy electronic commerce and demolish the concept of national security. A quantum computer would jeopardise the stability of the world. Whichever country gets there first will have the ability to monitor the communications of its citizens, read the minds of its commercial rivals and eavesdrop on the plans of its enemies. Although it is still in its infancy, quantum computing presents a potential threat to the individual, to international business and to global security. -Simon Singh