Common False Claims :
- “Quantum computers can break RSA encryption now.”
→ Not true. The largest number factored so far is 35 (5×7) : nowhere near real-world encryption sizes (2048+ bits). - “Quantum supremacy means practical usefulness.”
→ No. It just means a quantum computer outperformed a classical one on a niche, impractical task. - “Quantum computers are already faster.”
→ Only for very specific problems. Classical computers still dominate general tasks. - “They’re disrupting industries already.”
→ Most claimed breakthroughs rely on noisy, small-scale devices not yet capable of solving meaningful problems. - “Research results are always solid.”
→ Some claims use pre-known answers, simulation, or compiler tricks that don’t scale or reflect real progress.
The Reality :
- Quantum computers are real and improving, but still very limited.
- Practical, large-scale quantum computing is likely 10–20 years away.
- Current devices are mainly for research and experimentation.
- Misleading claims persist due to media hype, investor pressure, and technical misunderstanding.
Quantum computing holds great promise, but today’s claims often outpace reality. Stay curious, but skeptical.