Despite the fact that scientists around the world have not been able to explain why, it appears that "secret international talks" have banned the export of quantum computers that perform above a certain level.

Quantum computers may seem like a work of science fiction, but they do exist and are used in academic institutions and computing businesses around the world. Despite their currently very limited capabilities, this has not stopped several governments from secretly agreeing to restrict their export to other countries, leaving computer scientists baffled by the logic behind the decision.

This is according to New Scientist magazine, which said it asked the British government to explain the export restrictions, but was denied on security grounds. One might think that this is a very wise decision, since quantum computers should be able to crack any code in the blink of an eye.

However, while theoretically possible, current quantum computers are basic and error-prone. Indeed, such machines are so far from reaching the pinnacle of such computing that there is no logical reason to limit their export.

Of course, anything related to computing, be it quantum, AI, or encryption, usually evokes a heavy-handed approach by authorities, especially those worried about being overtaken by other countries in the technology world.

News of the UK's export restrictions, which came to light last month, largely blocked quantum computers with more than 34 qubits and especially those with sufficiently low error rates. What is particularly unusual about this latest news is that other countries have followed suit and established export restrictions that are word-for-word identical to the UK export restrictions, specification for specification

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Such countries include France, Spain, and the Netherlands, which one might assume is the EU. However, Canada does the same thing, so clearly it is not limited to Europe; when New Scientist contacted the French embassy, a spokesperson claimed that the regulations were set based on "multilateral negotiations that took place over several years under the Wassenaar Arrangement." .

The Wassenaar Arrangement is an agreement to regulate the sale of arms and goods intended for military use, and EU advisor Milan Godin told New Scientist that quantum computers are a type of technology with the potential to crack codes and improve military strategy This could be the reason behind the move.

After all, if you can afford to buy a quantum computer, you can only get an extremely poor one. For academic institutions that have secured funding to continue research on quantum computers, such an attempt would probably have to be abandoned.

If you had hoped to see a quantum computer running a spaceship and brewing you a cup of Earl Grey tea (hot) once in your lifetime, you are going to be disappointed.