Development of Legal and Normative-Technical Regulation of Quantum Communications

Abstract

In 2023, the Russian Federation adopted the Concept for the Regulation of the Quantum Communications Industry until 2030. The authors of this article participated in its development. The document emphasizes the necessity of improving both legal and normative-technical regulatory frameworks for activities in this field. The development of an effective legal regulatory system for the quantum communications industry should be preceded by the establishment of a coherent system of technical regulation specific to the quantum sector. From a legal standpoint, key directions for the potential development of the quantum communications industry have been identified. To a large extent, further progress in this area will depend on the determination of a number of technological development trajectories within the sector. The study shows that the system of domestic standards in quantum communications is contradictory and mutually exclusive. Although several standards have been adopted in recent years, their coverage demonstrates the lack of a coordinated standardization plan to meet the priority needs of the industry. The standards for the quantum internet of things adopted in 2023 have not yet found their end users, and the backbone quantum communication lines created and functioning in our country remain without relevant standards. The analysis of foreign experience shows similar problems in other countries and a lack of unambiguous recommendations from international standardization bodies. This has made it possible to justify the need to adopt a roadmap for the standardization of quantum communications and additional domestic standards for quantum communication trunk lines. The article highlights the importance of the participation of domestic experts in the work of international standardization bodies on developing technical documents in the quantum communications field.