UNESCO Brief: “The integration of quantum technologies into AI systems introduces greater complexity, requiring stronger policy and technical frameworks that uphold human rights protections. Ensuring that these advancements do not widen existing inequalities or cause environmental harm is crucial.
The Brief expands on the “Quantum technologies and their global impact: discussion paper ”published by UNESCO. The objective of this Brief is to unpack the multiple dimensions of the quantum ecosystem and broadly explore the human rights and policy implications of quantum technologies, with some key findings:
- While quantum technologies promise advancements of human rights in the areas of encryption, privacy, and security, they also pose risks to these very domains and related ones such as freedom of expression and access to information
- Quantum innovations will reshape security, economic growth, and science, but without a robust human rights-based framework, they risk deepening inequalities and destabilizing global governance.
- The quantum divide is emerging as a critical issue, with disparities in access to technology, expertise, and infrastructure widening global inequalities. Unchecked, this gap could limit the benefits of quantum advancements for all.
- The quantum gender divide remains stark—79% of quantum companies have no female senior leaders, and only 1 in 54 quantum job applicants are women.
The Issue Brief provides broad recommendations and targeted actions for stakeholders,emphasizing
human rights-centered governance, awareness, capacity building, and inclusivity to bridge global and gender divides. The key recommendations focus on a comprehensive governance model which must ensure a multistakeholder approach that facilitates, state duties, corporate accountability, effective remedies for human rights violations, and open standards for equitable access. Prioritizing human rights in global governance will ensure quantum innovation serves all of humanity while safeguarding fundamental freedoms…(More)”.