Key takeaways:
- Donald Trump signed two executive orders regarding the development of quantum computers and cryptography security.
- The US wants to accelerate the commercialization of quantum technology and maintain its advantage over China.
- A key element is the transition to cryptography that is resistant to attacks by quantum computers.
- The development of this technology can have a huge impact on the security of blockchains and cryptocurrencies.
Trump supports the quantum computing market
The first regulation focuses on building the US advantage in the area of Quantum Information Science and Technology (QIST). It assumes coordinated actions of the entire government aimed at accelerating the implementation and commercialization of quantum computers. Within 180 days, relevant agencies are to update the National Quantum Strategy to better support industry collaboration and technology development.
At the same time, the QC-ADDS (Quantum Computer for Application Development and Discovery Science) initiative was established, the aim of which is to create quantum computers on a scale that would enable breakthrough scientific discoveries. This program is intended to usher in a new era of research based on quantum technology.
The second regulation focuses on digital security and the threats that may arise from the development of quantum computers. The US administration wants to accelerate the transition to the so-called post-quantum cryptography, which is intended to secure data against potential attacks using the enormous computing power of future quantum machines.
According to the document, the emergence of large quantum computers – especially in the hands of countries considered adversaries of the US – may pose a serious threat to current cryptographic security systems. Therefore, American institutions are to begin an extensive migration process to new security standards.
It’s about competition with China
These decisions come at a time of growing competition from China, which is also investing heavily in the development of quantum technology as part of its five-year plan. Beijing plans, among other things, development of scalable quantum computers and construction of a global quantum communication infrastructure.
The development of quantum computers is also of great importance for the cryptocurrency market. The largest blockchains, such as Ethereum and Solana, are already working on solutions that are resistant to quantum attacks. In the case of Bitcoin, the community remains divided on how to secure the network against this threat.
Although experts emphasize that the practical use of quantum computers on a large scale may only occur in the coming years, US actions show that the technological race is already underway. And its result may determine not only economic advantage, but also the security of global digital infrastructure.
