Press Release
☷FACT SHEET President Biden Announces Two Presidential Directives Advancing Quantum Technologies
White House ( By Press Release office)
May 04,2022
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Today , President Biden will sign two Presidential directives that will advance national initiatives in quantum information science ( QIS ) , signaling the Biden - Harris Administration’s commitment to this critical and emerging technology . Together , the two directives lay the groundwork for continued American leadership in an enormously promising field of science and technology , while mitigating the risks that quantum computers pose to America’s national and economic security . The United States has long been a global leader in the development of new technologies , like QIS . QIS is a broad field of science and engineering . Quantum computers , one of the many promising applications of QIS , are not a replacement to traditional computers . Rather , they are a fundamentally different kind of computer , with the ability to analyze information in ways that traditional computers cannot . While QIS itself is not new , recent breakthroughs in QIS have shown the potential to drive innovations across the American economy , from energy to medicine , through advancements in computation , networking and sensing . Breakthroughs in QIS are poised to generate entirely new industries , good - paying jobs , and economic opportunities for all Americans . President Biden will sign an Executive Order to foster these advances by furthering the President’s commitment to promoting breakthroughs in cutting - edge science and technology . It does so by enhancing the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee , the Federal Government’s principal independent expert advisory body for quantum information science and technology . The EO places the advisory committee directly under the authority of the White House , ensuring that the President , Congress , Federal departments and agencies , and the general public receive the most current , accurate , and relevant information on quantum information science and technology to drive forward U . S . policymaking and advance our technological edge . The President will also sign a National Security Memorandum outlining the Administration’s plan to address the risks posed by quantum computers to America’s cybersecurity . Research shows that at some point in the not - too - distant future , when quantum computers reach a sufficient size and level of sophistication , they will be capable of breaking much of the cryptography that currently secures our digital communications on the Internet . To address this risk , the National Institute of Standards and Technology ( NIST ) will publish new quantum - resistant cryptographic standards that can protect against these future attacks . However , the process to transition America’s most vulnerable IT systems to these new standards will take time , resources , and commitment . America must start the lengthy process of updating our IT infrastructure today to protect against this quantum computing threat tomorrow . NSM - X lays out a plan to get us there . Specifically , the National Security Memorandum:Positions the United States to remain a global leader in technology development , and Quantum Information Science in particular . The NSM directs Federal agencies to pursue a whole - of - government and whole - of - society approach to harness the economic and scientific benefits of QIS for all Americans , as well as the security enhancements of new cryptographic systems . It sets forth a policy to promote quantum - relevant education programs and workforce development initiatives , emphasizes a coordinated approach to foundational scientific research , and encourages the strengthening of partnerships with industry , academic institutions , and allies and partners overseas . Initiates collaboration between the Federal Government and the private sector . It directs NIST to establish a “Migration to Post - Quantum Cryptography Project” at the National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence , as well as an open working group with industry to generate research on , and encourage widespread , equitable adoption of , quantum - resilient cryptographic standards and technologies . Sets requirements for Federal agencies to update cryptographic systems . Given the complexity , costs , and time required to fully transition to quantum - resistant cryptographic standards , the NSM provides a roadmap for agencies to inventory their IT systems , with a requirement to set and meet specific milestones . Doing so will help ensure that Federal agencies get the support they need to fully and effectively protect their networks from future exploitation . Protects United States technology . The NSM recognizes the importance of protecting critical technology from theft and abuse . To this end , the NSM directs Federal agencies to develop comprehensive plans to safeguard American intellectual property , research and development , and other sensitive technology from acquisition by America’s adversaries , and to educate industry and academia on the threats they face . It encourages engagement with international partners to ensure a competitive and fair global marketplace that fosters innovation and continued growth in the field . ###
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