Quantum computing, a groundbreaking technology that promises much faster computers, is set to change how we handle copyright law, according to a new study.
This change means that while it will be easier to track and protect the rights of creators of art, music, books, and culture, it might also lead to more people breaking these laws.
The study, led by Dr. James Griffin from the University of Exeter Law School, explains that quantum computing could both increase the number of copyright infringements and improve the ability to enforce copyright laws.
Essentially, as computers get faster, they can better identify whether a piece of work is likely breaking copyright rules. This could mean more legal challenges as the boundaries of the law are tested in new ways.
One key aspect is that content with advanced “quantum watermarks” could be better protected than older content.
These watermarks are a type of copyright management tool that benefits from the high speed of quantum computing.
So, the faster the computers, the easier it is to copy and distribute copyrighted works, but also to protect and manage these rights.
Dr. Griffin also notes that quantum computing could lead to more complex and automated enforcement of copyright laws.
For instance, there could be more use of technology to detect and block copyright violations, such as advanced watermarking and filtering mechanisms.
This is because quantum computers can analyze data in much more detail, making it harder for people to use copyrighted content without permission.
However, there’s a paradox: even as it becomes easier to infringe copyrights due to the capabilities of quantum computers, the same technology also makes it easier to prevent these infringements through enhanced security measures.
Content creators might start producing works that are more secure and harder to illegally copy or share.
Additionally, the high costs associated with quantum computing might lead to more content being streamed rather than owned outright.
This approach would keep content in a secure, remote location, emphasizing that unauthorized use is not just wrong but akin to a serious breach of privacy or even theft.
Quantum computing also poses new challenges for determining what counts as an original work. For example, in quantum computer games, the story could change dynamically based on the player’s actions, making it difficult to apply traditional copyright tests of originality.
In summary, while quantum computing offers exciting possibilities for creating and managing digital content, it also presents new challenges and opportunities for the laws that protect these creations.
