Quantum computers are coming - do we need ethical guidelines?

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: This Tech Life episode focuses on two future-facing technologies—quantum computing and glass data storage—plus a broader discussion about science fiction and space exploration. It argues that ethics, access, and long-term planning must be built into emerging tech early, while showcasing how archival glass storage could preserve data for millennia and how sci-fi continues to shape real space ambitions.

Main Topics: Quantum computing ethics and governance (Priority: 5/5): Dr. Natasha Orton explains why the National Quantum Computing Centre is developing ethical principles now, before quantum computers become widely powerful, to guide beneficial uses and reduce harms. Risks of inequality and cryptography disruption (Priority: 5/5): The discussion highlights potential quantum harms: widening global access gaps, concentration of power, and possible disruption to modern cryptography that protects sensitive data. Glass-based long-term data storage (Priority: 4/5): The programme examines two companies, S-Photonics and Microsoft’s Project Silica, that use laser-written nano-structures in glass to preserve archival data for thousands of years. Practical uses for archival storage (Priority: 4/5): Glass storage is positioned for personal records, medical and legal archives, scientific datasets, and cultural preservation by museums, libraries, and national archives. Science fiction as a guide to space futures (Priority: 3/5): Author Alastair Reynolds reflects on how science fiction has shaped expectations about space travel, while noting the field now focuses more on Earth-bound problems like climate change and inequality. Cross-cultural and modern visions of space exploration (Priority: 3/5): Reynolds argues that science fiction and space narratives are becoming more globally diverse, with China, India, and other nations increasingly represented in future imaginaries.

Key Arguments: Quantum ethics should be addressed now because the technology is nearing real societal impact, and early frameworks can still shape development toward public benefit. The biggest quantum risks are not only technical but social: unequal access, concentration of capability, and possible reinforcement of existing global divides. Cryptography is a major concern, but industry and government are already responding, showing responsible innovation can work proactively. Glass storage offers a compelling archival solution because it lasts far longer than magnetic media and reduces repeated copying, cost, energy use, and e-waste. Project Silica and S-Photonics both use lasers to create nano-scale structures inside glass, enabling extremely dense, durable data storage. Science fiction has historically inspired space engineering, but contemporary sci-fi is increasingly centered on climate, inequality, and global perspectives rather than simple colonization narratives.

Data Points: Quantum computing ethics timing: Now - Dr. Natasha Orton says ethical planning is needed as quantum approaches practical societal use. Glass bubble size: About 250 nanometers - S-Photonics describes the nano-sized bubbles written inside fused silica. Storage density: Up to 10 gigabytes per cubic millimeter - S-Photonics claims this density for its glass storage medium. Theoretical maximum capacity: 360 terabytes - Mentioned in relation to the Mission Impossible-style 5D memory device / glass storage concept. Commercial roadmap: Within 2 to 3 years - S-Photonics says it aims to release a data center product commercially in that timeframe. Commercial capacity target: 250 terabytes - S-Photonics says its five-inch glass platter aims to store this amount. Glass platter dimensions: Five inches by five inches by 3 millimeters thick - Described as the flagship data storage medium. Temperature resistance: Over 1,000°C - Fused silica is said to resist heat at this level. Starshot speed target: Up to 10% of the speed of light - Reynolds references Breakthrough Starshot as a plausible near-term interstellar probe concept.

Pivotal Quotes: "we're making these considerations at the point where we can still influence the direction, build in safeguards and mitigate harms" — Dr. Natasha Orton: Explaining why ethical planning for quantum computing must happen early. "We create tiny little bubbles, these nano-sized bubbles, about 250 nanometers in size." — Ilya Kazansky: Describing how S-Photonics stores information inside fused silica glass. "the dominant conversation in science fiction now probably has nothing to do with space exploration. It's much more about things like climate change, inequality" — Alastair Reynolds: Reflecting on how sci-fi themes have shifted away from classic space colonization narratives.

Implications: The episode suggests emerging tech should be governed before mass deployment, while glass archival storage could become a major alternative to short-lived digital media. It also shows that science fiction still influences real engineering, but with broader, more global priorities.