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.

Traceability Table (Requirement → Axiom → Evidence)

Requirement / Control	Axiom(s)	Evidence Artifacts
Q-N-1	A5	dual-use classification record
Q-N-2	A5, A3	escalation review, security and human-rights assessment
Q-N-3	A3, A6	cross-border legal/sovereignty documentation
Q-N-4	A3, A5	non-weaponization guardrails, access controls