Quantum cryptography to keep Swiss votes private

In what's being hailed as "one of the first public uses of quantum cryptography," Genevian voters who take part in the upcoming national elections can rest assured that their votes will remain a secret. Reportedly, the "city-state will use quantum technology to encrypt election results as they are sent to the capital on October 21st." A computer, provided by id Quantique, will be set up in Geneva to "fire photons down a fiber-optic link to a receiver 62-miles away," which should be sufficient to keep any potential eavesdroppers at bay. 'Course, where there's a will, there's typically a way.

[Josh @ Oct 11th 2007 11:47PM]

Sounds a bit more secure than the US voting system. We can't even count them by hand correctly (yes: that is you florida) more or less keep the digital voting machines secure.

[iczer2 @ Oct 12th 2007 7:37AM]

I knew it was a matter of time before someone said a snarky comment to Florida. Where's the love for Ohio, huh?

Seriously though, this technology is incredible and I wish it would be considered for use here during the next elections so we can be spared from the bitching about votes "not being counted correctly".

[Cameron @ Oct 11th 2007 11:56PM]

That is extremely badass. Unfortunately, encryption can't address issues such as voter intimidation but it doesn't hurt to enlist advanced physics in the "last mile".

[thethirdmoose @ Oct 12th 2007 12:14AM]

I call shenanigans. There are no quantum computers that can actually do this. Look at the quote:
"fire photons down a fiber-optic link to a receiver 62-miles away,"
OOOH COOL! LOLLERSKATEZ N ROFLCOPTERS!!! WE IZ FIRIN DA FOTONZ!!!

What do you think a fiber optic link usually does?
What do you think your GameBoy Color IR link does?
(awesome... those two lines managed to line up!)

Sending photons down a fiber optic link does not equal quantum encryption.

[Johnathon Zirkle @ Oct 12th 2007 12:19AM]

I've got an idea...

Lets just shoot photon torpedoes and quantum torpedoes down the line and see what that does...

Engage.

[melloncollie @ Oct 12th 2007 12:41AM]

How about you stop acting like you know your ass from your elbow and just give your mouth a rest.

I love Engadget readers that think they know how the universe functions and what exactly is possible.
As if you can grasp what is and what isn't at this point.

[Tomer @ Oct 12th 2007 5:46AM]

Your lines didn't line up.

[blip @ Oct 12th 2007 2:50AM]

The photons being transmitted are polarized with the key - this is what Quantum Encryption is all about.

You don't think it can be done yet? That must be a cozy rock you're living under!

[wrabbit @ Oct 12th 2007 9:34AM]

The key is encoded in the photons polarization, and possibly other properties they have. The only way to get it is to use the exact same equipment actually being used to receive and decrypt the photons. Now, how many hackers do you know of that carry a photon receiver/decrypter with them, and how many you think could get into the location to which the photon is going. Unlike electrical signal you can't just intercept this in the middle - you'll destroy the key if you do that.
(at least that's my understanding of the tech)

[Philometalist @ Oct 12th 2007 4:49PM]

This is Awesome, and it should be a major priority for our country to adopt, improve and implement this technology before the 2008 election.

[captain underpants and the bringdown gang @ Oct 12th 2007 11:35PM]

the beauty of this technology is that if someone tries to "intercept" the transmission and de-crypt it, not only would they need specialized equipment specialized scientists and a lot of money by "intercepting" it, the photons will not bee seen by the other side, so the operators would know someone was trying to hack them, the only way to hack it without the others knowing is to know the encryption keys that they use and than when they receive the legit photons from the source they send false photons down the pipe so the other side would still receive what they think is the legitimate message when in fact its just a importer giving the people who intercepted the real signal time to de-crypt it and do whatever although I doubt they could make it work.