Quantum Meets Internet
Ethan Sullivan
| 23-10-2025

· Science team
When we open our browsers, scroll through social media, or send a quick payment online, we rarely stop to think about what keeps everything running smoothly and securely. But with the rise of quantum computing, things might not stay the same.
Some people see it as the end of today’s internet security, while others call it the beginning of a smarter, faster, and safer online world. Lykkers, let’s explore together how quantum technology could transform the very internet we rely on every day.
Understanding what makes quantum special
Traditional computers use bits, which are either 0 or 1. Quantum computers, on the other hand, use qubits, which can be 0, 1, or both at once—a phenomenon known as superposition. They can also be connected through entanglement, allowing multiple qubits to share information instantly. This means quantum computers can solve certain problems dramatically faster than today’s best machines. The question is: how does this power affect the internet?
Encryption under threat
Right now, encryption is the backbone of online security. Whenever we log in, shop, or chat, encryption scrambles the data so only the right person can read it. But here’s the issue: many encryption methods depend on problems that are extremely hard for normal computers, like breaking down huge numbers. For quantum computers, these problems could be solved quickly, making current systems unsafe.
This sounds scary, but it’s not the end. Researchers are already building defenses, such as quantum key distribution (QKD), which uses the laws of physics to keep messages secure, and post-quantum cryptography, new algorithms designed to survive quantum attacks. So while risks exist, solutions are moving forward too.
A boost for artificial intelligence
Imagine smarter search engines, real-time language translation, or medical AI that can scan through millions of cases in seconds. Quantum computing could supercharge artificial intelligence by handling calculations that normally take years. This doesn’t just make AI faster—it makes it more capable of solving problems we once thought impossible. The internet could become a far more intelligent space for all of us.
Making sense of big data
Every click, post, and video we share adds to the ocean of online data. Sorting and analyzing this data with regular computers takes enormous time and resources. Quantum machines could sift through it quickly, spotting hidden patterns and predicting trends. For businesses, that means better recommendations; for scientists, faster discoveries; and for us, more personalized and efficient online experiences.
New science and medicine opportunities
The impact doesn’t stop with AI and data. Quantum computing could help researchers design new materials and medicines by simulating molecules at a level that’s nearly impossible for classical computers. Imagine new energy sources, better batteries, or drugs that are developed years faster. While this goes beyond the internet itself, it shows how connected our online world is to advances in research and discovery.
Upgrading the internet’s infrastructure
Quantum computers could also improve how the internet itself works. Smarter routing systems might make connections faster and more reliable, even across long distances. At the same time, they could help us detect and stop cyberattacks before they spread, keeping networks safer. Instead of destroying the internet, quantum technology might end up strengthening its foundations.
Looking Ahead with Curiosity
So, Lykkers, what’s the truth? Quantum computing could indeed challenge today’s online security, but it also carries the promise of smarter AI, faster data analysis, and even new scientific breakthroughs. The internet won’t end—it will evolve.
We are standing at the edge of a new era. Instead of worrying only about the risks, we can prepare for the changes and welcome the opportunities. The internet we know today may look very different tomorrow—safer, faster, and more powerful than ever.
Now, here’s a question for you, Lykkers: when quantum computers finally arrive in full force, do you see them as a danger to your digital life, or as the tool that could unlock a brighter online future?