Chinese scientists pioneer quantum technology in e-commerce

Researchers from Nanjing University and Renmin University of China have successfully created an innovative e-commerce platform that harnesses the power of quantum technology. The platform is capable of facilitating an online trading system that can accommodate up to five users, making it the world’s first of its kind.

At the core of this groundbreaking e-commerce protocol is the Quantum Digital Signature (QDS), a cutting-edge cryptographic mechanism. The QDS leverages the intricate quantum phenomenon of entanglement, employing quantum entanglement protocols to generate highly correlated bit strings among multiple remote parties.

These bit strings serve as unique and secure signatures, playing a critical role in ensuring not only the integrity of transactions but also their authenticity and non-repudiation.

In a groundbreaking experiment, the research team showcased the functionality of a quantum network involving five users, utilizing the developed protocol. The findings of this study were published in the journal Science Advances on Saturday.

“Our work contributes to the further development of e-commerce in the quantum era by providing a practical and efficient solution with enhanced security,” said Yin Hualei, an associate professor from Renmin University of China.

QDS protocol

The Quantum Digital Signature (QDS) protocol goes beyond conventional cryptographic methods by seamlessly integrating two advanced techniques in quantum cryptography.

Firstly, it employs quantum secret sharing, a method that utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics to distribute secret information among multiple parties securely.

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Secondly, it incorporates one-time universal hashing, a state-of-the-art technique that enhances security by producing irreversible and unique hash values for each transaction.

Secure and trustworthy  transactions

By combining sophisticated quantum cryptographic techniques, the QDS protocol establishes a robust foundation for secure and trustworthy e-commerce transactions, addressing key aspects such as transaction integrity, authenticity, and non-repudiation in the ever-evolving landscape of digital commerce.

Currently, e-commerce messages protected by classical encryption algorithms face vulnerability to hacking by advanced quantum computing.

In response, certain cryptologists have sought to leverage quantum entanglement as a means to securely distribute unhackable quantum states among multiple parties. This innovative approach aims to fortify defenses against identity theft and payment fraud in the realm of e-commerce.

Accurate contract signing

The quantum network guarantees swift and accurate execution of contract signing and payments, eliminating the prerequisite for the identification of a trusted third party in advance. This characteristic positions it as a potential game-changer in the e-commerce sector.

Until now, a viable quantum algorithm that prevents message senders from denying offers they have already made in transactions had not been developed.