Trump signs orders on quantum computers and cryptography: What do they mean for your data privacy?
Trump signs orders on quantum computers and cryptography: What do they mean for your data privacy?
Publish Date: 2026-06-23 01:48:00
Source Domain: www.wionews.com
US President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on Monday (June 23) aimed at accelerating the development of quantum computing, a cutting-edge technology that could potentially outpace today’s supercomputers. According to White House science and technology advisor Michael Kratsios, Trump’s orders direct US government agencies to work with the private sector to develop a quantum computer usable for scientific research “by 2028.” The second order signed by Trump involves cybersecurity and post-quantum cryptography, or encryption that is able to withstand decryption by a quantum computer. Kratsios said the order “accelerates the migration” of quantum-proof cryptography to 2031.
What is quantum computers?
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A quantum computer is a device that is a step ahead of today’s most powerful supercomputers. It uses the laws of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems. Instead of relying on standard digital technology, it processes massive amounts of information simultaneously by using subatomic particles (like electrons or photons) called qubits. The leading US firms developing quantum computers, including IBM, Microsoft and Google, each aim to deliver the first large-scale commercial device by 2029.
The qubits can exist in multiple states at once allowing a massive processing power. It is done through three main scientific phenomena: Superposition – because of which a test of millions of possibilities can be done all at once; Entanglement: in which qubits can be linked together in pairs. Changing the state of one qubit instantly changes the other, drastically speeding up data processing; Interference: in which the computer creates a mathematical wave of probabilities, canceling out wrong answers and amplifying the correct solution.
However, these computers are not meant for everyday tasks like browsing the internet or gaming. Instead, they excel at specific, highly complex tasks like simulating molecular structures to discover lifesaving drugs…
