I'm not really sure what the point of this was. First of all, it's titular claim is incorrect - quantum cryptography is not "unbreakable" (and nor does that cla

I'm not really sure what the point of this was. First of all, it's titular claim is incorrect - quantum cryptography is not "unbreakable" (and nor does that claim entirely make sense given how mature entire quantum cryptosystems are)[1]. Components like quantum key distribution are reasonably well-studied and do provide an information-theoretically secure solution for key exchange...but that is one component of successfully secured communication. The article starts off pretty strong with a reasonably accurate exploration into how public-key crypto was invented in the 70s, and how quantum computers could eliminate the RSA problem. But then it veers into this weird territory about the government wanting to control crypto, and proceeds to talk about criminals and terrorists typically misusing otherwise strong crypto. I'm not sure how we ended up there... It goes on like that, then just sort of ends with this vague point about human ingenuity. It seems like Aeon just wanted to write a headline with the words "quantum" and "cryptography." It's really short and didn't make any interesting point, in my opinion. _____________ 1. Scott Aaronson is a reasonable place to start reading about quantum information theory/computing, and its implications for quantum cryptography in general. Try http://www.scottaaronson.com/blog/?p=2673 http://www.scottaaronson.com/blog/?p=2673 instead of breathless reporting.