Japan Aims for 'Unbreakable' Quantum Encryption by 2030
Japan plans to support quantum encryption technology development by 2030. Collaboration with companies such as Toshiba and NEC is planned. Quantum computers are expected to pose a threat to existing encryption methods.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications will provide assistance to selected quantum encryption developers, with applications expected to begin next year. This initiative will require a significant investment of tens of billions of yen (equivalent to $68 million) in public-private partnerships over a five-year period beginning in fiscal year 2025.
Experts in Japan and around the world are racing against the clock to prepare for the advent of quantum computers, which are expected to be operational by 2030. These supercomputers are expected to outperform current technology, posing a threat to existing encryption methods for protecting online data.
Mikio Fujiwara, director general of the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology's quantum research centre, emphasised the critical need for secure data management systems, particularly in fields such as healthcare, where protecting human genomic and clinical data is crucial.
Quantum encryption is the process of transmitting encrypted data using a key converted into photons via fibre optic cables. The encryption is considered theoretically unbreakable because any tampering with the key would change the state of the photons, triggering an alert in the system.
NICT, under the oversight of the internal affairs ministry, will assess various quantum encryption techniques on a test network. The network was launched in Tokyo towards the end of 2023, connecting government bodies, financial institutions, and telecom companies in the capital. In the upcoming year, NICT will invite companies to partake in the government's research and development project for quantum encryption.
While Japan boasts cutting-edge technology in terms of key generation speed and transmission distance, a report from a cabinet panel on quantum technology innovation in April highlighted that other nations have taken the lead in exploring practical applications for quantum encryption.
China, for example, has built a secure quantum communication network that spans thousands of kilometres, connecting major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. The country has also successfully tested satellite-based encrypted quantum communication with Russia and Austria. Meanwhile, the European Union and Singapore are moving forward with their plans to build encrypted communication networks.
Tomoyuki Horikiri, a professor at Yokohama National University, emphasised the importance of Japan developing talent capable of anticipating the future of quantum communications, including encryption, in order to remain competitive in this rapidly changing technological landscape.
Japan to support quantum encryption technology development by 2030
Collaboration with companies like Toshiba and NEC planned
Quantum computers expected to pose a threat to current encryption methods
Source: NIKKEI ASIA