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Quantum anonymous notification for network-based applications

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Abstract

Anonymity is a desirable yet challenging requirement of communication networks. In this paper, we present the first quantum anonymous notification (QAN) protocol that introduces anonymity for both sender and the receiver in practical quantum networks. Our QAN protocol features tracelessness, i.e., it is impossible to trace the encoding operations back to the encoding party even if all network communication including qubits and measurement results are made available to an adversary. Additionally, we demonstrate the QAN protocol in a four-node network using IBM quantum computer to benchmark its performance in practical settings. QAN protocol can be of independent interest as a powerful component of several applications ranging from multiparty quantum computation to quantum Internet. Security analysis shows that this protocol is robust against external adversaries and malicious participants.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT) (No. 2019R1A2C2007037) and the MSIT (Ministry of Science and ICT) ITRC (Information Technology Research Center) support program (IITP-2021-0-02046) supervised by the IITP (Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation). We acknowledge the use of IBM Quantum services for this work. The views expressed are those of the authors, and do not reflect the official policy or position of IBM or the IBM Quantum team.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Electronics and Information Convergence Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, 17104, Korea

    Awais Khan, Junaid ur Rehman & Hyundong Shin

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  1. Awais Khan
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  2. Junaid ur Rehman
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  3. Hyundong Shin
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Correspondence to Hyundong Shin.

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Khan, A., ur Rehman, J. & Shin, H. Quantum anonymous notification for network-based applications. Quantum Inf Process 20, 397 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11128-021-03339-y

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