Scott Aaronson on quantum: "Will you heed my warnings NOW?"
5 hours ago
- #cryptography
- #NAS election
- #quantum computing
- Author expresses gratitude for being elected to the US National Academy of Sciences, noting feelings of humility among esteemed inductees.
- Initially considered following Richard Feynman's example of resigning from NAS but now feels grateful given past experiences with exclusion.
- Rejects the notion of this honor as a career capstone, emphasizing ongoing research ambitions and gratitude towards supporters.
- Participated in discussions on quantum computing and blockchain, contributing to a position paper on quantum threats to cryptocurrencies.
- Reports reputable experts predicting fault-tolerant quantum computers capable of breaking current cryptosystems by around 2029.
- Argues that accelerating quantum computing development may be ethical to preempt foreign intelligence and address cybersecurity denial.
- Highlights parallels with AI race justifications and warns of risks, urging immediate adoption of quantum-resistant encryption.
- Asserts moral duty to sound the alarm using his platform as a prominent quantum computing blogger and new NAS member.
- Engages with commenters on topics like 'Shor of Damocles,' dihedral groups in encryption, historical NAS resignations, and quantum computing skepticism.