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AI + Quantum Ethics Standards

Quantum Standard: Dual-Use and National Security Considerations

1. Purpose

Reduce the risk that quantum capabilities (or quantum-enhanced AI) are deployed in ways that destabilize security, enable rights-violating surveillance, or create uncontrolled escalation dynamics.

2. Applicability

  • Applies to Tier 2–3 QC deployments and any QC work with credible dual-use risk.

3. Ethical Mapping

  • A5 Proportionality & Moderation
  • A3 Justice, Due Process, and Remedy
  • A6 Participation & Consultation

4. Requirements (Normative)

Q-N-1 (Dual-Use Classification). Tier 2–3 programs MUST maintain a dual-use classification for:

  • capability category
  • misuse pathways
  • potential severity and reversibility
  • exposure and access model

Q-N-2 (Escalation Review). For Tier 3, dual-use classifications MUST trigger a governance review that includes:

  • independent security assessment (internal or external)
  • human rights impact review
  • release constraint options (access controls, staged release, non-release)

Q-N-3 (Cross-Border Risk Considerations). Where systems operate across jurisdictions, operators MUST document:

  • applicable legal constraints and conflict-of-law risks
  • data transfer and sovereignty impacts
  • safeguards preventing unlawful or rights-violating use

Q-N-4 (Non-Weaponization Guardrails). Where credible risk exists that QC capability materially enables rights-violating targeting or coercive surveillance, operators MUST implement guardrails and access controls sufficient to prevent such uses, or MUST refrain from deployment.

5. Compliance Evidence

  • dual-use classification records and updates
  • governance review minutes and decision memos
  • cross-border risk assessments and mitigations
  • access controls, monitoring, and enforcement logs

6. Rationale (Non-normative)

National security contexts produce strong incentives for secrecy and speed. This standard requires explicit reasoning, governance triggers, and guardrails to preserve human rights and systemic stability.

7. Failure Modes & Abuse Cases

  • “silent deployment” without dual-use review
  • expanding access models beyond original intent
  • laundering coercive uses through proxies or third parties

8. Change Log

  • v0.1: Initial draft.