The Albanese government's $1 billion computer

In high-security labs, from Silicon Valley to mainland China, researchers are racing to be the first to achieve what has been dubbed ‘Q-day’.

On that day, all encryption and security could be laid bare – the deepest plans of militaries around the world, our medical records and private encrypted conversations could all be exposed. The internet could essentially break.

Q-day, after all, is the day the most powerful machine yet comes online: the first fault-free quantum computer.

Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Jason Koutsoukis on why Australia wants to join the race, and why one American company got the billion-dollar deal to do it.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram

Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Jason Koutsoukis

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.