I am Chris J. Hoofnagle, Professor of Law in Residence at Berkeley Law in Berkeley, CA. I am the lead co-author of the ACM TechBrief on Quantum Computing and Simulation.

Quantum computers have garnered enormous interest and media attention because of their predicted ability to one day crack encryption algorithms that are widely used today. While such machines would have profound impacts within both the public and private sectors, they are not predicted to become a reality for at least a decade or, by some estimates, as many as forty years—if ever. By contrast, powerful quantum simulators are nearly a reality. Their practical applications could be just two years away. What are quantum simulators and how might they affect society? Ask me anything!

More info:

Read the TechBrief on Quantum Computing and Simulation: https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/3551664

ACM TechBriefs is a series of technical bulletins by ACM’s Technology Policy Council that present scientifically-grounded perspectives on the impact of specific developments or applications of technology. Read the issue to come prepared with questions!

Proof: https://twitter.com/hoofnagle/status/1570818062613639169?s=20&t=DTbBNvL-ZGcZOANHKEPGfQ

https://www.acm.org/public-policy/reddit-ama-on-quantum-computing-and-simulation

The AMA session takes place on 9/19 from noon to 3 PM EDT. See you all soon!

Edit: My allotted hour is up. I'll still answer questions, but probably not as quickly as I have been. Please keep them coming, though, they've been great! Thanks everyone who asked something.