The Quantumverse

A concept with an unstable definition, the metaverse is typically considered to be a collection of digital worlds used for social connection. It’s expanded to become a place just like the real world, where users can socialise, work and play in the digital domain. 

The metaverse is considered an evolution of the internet, a natural shift in how we interact and perceive the online world. Despite the recent hype, it’s not a new concept - Neal Stephenson first coined the term in his 1992 dystopian novel, Snow Crash. 

According to Bloomberg Intelligence, the metaverse market is expected to be worth nearly $800 billion (£706 billion) by 2024. One of the driving factors behind this growth is quantum computing - but what role will it play? 

The Quantum Approach

The prominent role that quantum computing will play in the metaverse is in improving the operations and applications that create and maintain virtual realities, such as machine learning and cybersecurity. 

Machine learning is a form of artificial intelligence that uses algorithms to mimic human behaviour. It was defined in the 1950s by AI pioneer Arthur Samuel as “the field of study that gives computers the ability to learn without explicitly being programmed.” Machine learning is an essential operation for the metaverse, as it can help with the creation and animation of avatars, as well as process language, helping users to interact in real-time. As quantum computers are capable of processing large amounts of data simultaneously, the technology poses many advantages for machine learning - namely, speeding it up and making it more efficient. 

A critical aspect of the metaverse is its cybersecurity, which is where quantum comes into play. Users can draw upon Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) to improve the security of their communications and transactions while in the metaverse. It works by creating secret keys, which can be shared between parties to encrypt and decrypt messages using quantum physics. As the metaverse is primarily unregulated, security will be vital for its continuity. 

Quantum computing can also help make virtual worlds seem more authentic through quantum randomness. It is essentially a way of guaranteeing unpredictable results; as qubits work in simultaneous sequences, they can illustrate a multitude of conclusions. Quantum randomness could be particularly useful for reenacting gambling in the metaverse, and creating a more believable user experience. 

“Our global economy is increasingly bolstered by an incredible mélange of virtual ecosystems and disruptive technologies, particularly: the Metaverse and Quantum Computing,” points out Maëva Ghonda, chair of the Quantum Advisory Board.

The Dark Side Of The Metaverse

A lawless and currently unregulated realm, the metaverse has faced a wave of cyber attacks, which have unsurprisingly created doubts about its security. Cyber crimes in the metaverse include identity theft, where users' accounts can be spoofed and taken over, and a new wave of crimes, such as NFT and cryptocurrency scams. 

Gartner predicts that by 2026, 25% of people will spend at least one hour a day in the metaverse - but given that it's a world without borders, it will be tough to police the crimes that take place there. 

Never Trust, Always Verify 

What steps can users take to create a safer and more secure metaverse? For the metaverse to survive and thrive, it must adopt a zero-trust approach in its security infrastructure. The method eliminates implicit trust, and continuously verifies users to ensure only those who are authorised have access.

The following companies are already using this form of security for their solutions: Acronis provides all-in-one cybersecurity and data protection, ensuring users are safe from malware and breach detection. Arqit, meanwhile, has integrated quantum technology with cloud technology for its QuantumCloud solution.

The metaverse has created a new way of experiencing the internet, taking on board the best and worst aspects of society. Fortunately, quantum technologies have already shown potential in manufacturing a more authentic and, most crucially, secure metaverse.