In what's being hailed as "one of the first public uses of quantum cryptography," Genevian voters who take part in the upcoming national elections can rest assured that their votes will remain a secret. Reportedly, the "city-state will use quantum technology to encrypt election results as they are sent to the capital on October 21st." A computer, provided by id Quantique, will be set up in Geneva to "fire photons down a fiber-optic link to a receiver 62-miles away," which should be sufficient to keep any potential eavesdroppers at bay. 'Course, where there's a will, there's typically a way.Quantum cryptography to keep Swiss votes private
In what's being hailed as "one of the first public uses of quantum cryptography," Genevian voters who take part in the upcoming national elections can rest assured that their votes will remain a secret. Reportedly, the "city-state will use quantum technology to encrypt election results as they are sent to the capital on October 21st." A computer, provided by id Quantique, will be set up in Geneva to "fire photons down a fiber-optic link to a receiver 62-miles away," which should be sufficient to keep any potential eavesdroppers at bay. 'Course, where there's a will, there's typically a way.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Josh @ Oct 11th 2007 11:47PM
Sounds a bit more secure than the US voting system. We can't even count them by hand correctly (yes: that is you florida) more or less keep the digital voting machines secure.
Cameron @ Oct 11th 2007 11:56PM
That is extremely badass. Unfortunately, encryption can't address issues such as voter intimidation but it doesn't hurt to enlist advanced physics in the "last mile".
thethirdmoose @ Oct 12th 2007 12:14AM
I call shenanigans. There are no quantum computers that can actually do this. Look at the quote:
"fire photons down a fiber-optic link to a receiver 62-miles away,"
OOOH COOL! LOLLERSKATEZ N ROFLCOPTERS!!! WE IZ FIRIN DA FOTONZ!!!
What do you think a fiber optic link usually does?
What do you think your GameBoy Color IR link does?
(awesome... those two lines managed to line up!)
Sending photons down a fiber optic link does not equal quantum encryption.
Johnathon Zirkle @ Oct 12th 2007 12:19AM
I've got an idea...
Lets just shoot photon torpedoes and quantum torpedoes down the line and see what that does...
Engage.
melloncollie @ Oct 12th 2007 12:41AM
How about you stop acting like you know your ass from your elbow and just give your mouth a rest.
I love Engadget readers that think they know how the universe functions and what exactly is possible.
As if you can grasp what is and what isn't at this point.
blip @ Oct 12th 2007 2:50AM
The photons being transmitted are polarized with the key - this is what Quantum Encryption is all about.
You don't think it can be done yet? That must be a cozy rock you're living under!