Learn about quantum machine learning, hype, and the potential social impact of Variational Quantum Algorithms (VQAs)

Artificial intelligence and big data have been documented to have many harms, particularly to vulnerable communities. We discuss Cathy O'Neil's Weapons of Math Destruction in the context of quantum machine learning.

Quantum computers will help us tackle climate change... or will they??? Join us for a discussion of whether environmental applications of quantum computation are credible or overhyped.

Modern computing, AI, and big data have harmed racialized communities in numerous documented ways. Richard Asiamah from OneQuantum Ghana discusses this reality in the context of the quantum computing technologies to come.

Our societal attitudes toward marginalized groups are reflected in the systems and technology we create. In this lecture, Erica Li reviews Virginia Eubanks' book Automating Inequality and discusses the connection between big data models and poverty management systems to quantum computing and the emerging quantum technological revolution. Thumbnail credit: Erica Li

Quantum computers require many rare and precious materials to run. We explore how many of these materials are sourced from unsafe, environmentally, and socially destructive mines. Specifically, we focus on the human cost inherent to sourcing the iridium necessary for superconducting qubits, a leading technology for quantum computation. In this talk, Serene Rodrigues presents the work of Emma McKay, a prominent advocate for ethics in quantum technologies.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have been shown throughout this lecture series to have several negative and destructive applications. Understanding how this emerging technology can be regulated to ensure social benefits are promoted and social harms are restricted is thus crucial to ensuring the AI revolution is just and equitable. AI Policy expert Michael Pulford discusses his own research on AI regulation as well as the podcast episode "Can We Regulate AI" from the podcast Your Undivided Attention: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0CWgiucmCCplp72THPY2q4?si=a8203e74feba4ec3

As governments around the world ramp up investment in quantum technologies, the question of how this technological revolution will be governed, who will have input, and who will ultimately benefit are core to quantum ethics. World quantum and society expert Zeki Seskir presents an overview of his paper: "Democratization of Quantum Technologies" https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2058-9565/acb6ae