Physicist David Deutsch Accuses Daily Mirror of Lying Over Quantum Computing Coverage

London, UK – Renowned Oxford University physicist David Deutsch has publicly accused The Daily Mirror of "lying," a sharp criticism believed to stem from the newspaper's recent reporting on Google's quantum computing breakthrough and its implications for the multiverse theory. The terse statement, shared on social media, has drawn attention to the ongoing debate surrounding the scientific accuracy of media coverage on complex technological advancements.

Google's Quantum AI team recently announced a significant leap with their new "Willow" quantum chip, claiming it solved a computational problem in under five minutes that would have taken traditional supercomputers an estimated 10 septillion years. Hartmut Neven, head of Google Quantum AI, described Willow's performance as "astonishing," suggesting it "lends credence to the notion that quantum computation occurs in many parallel universes."

Deutsch, a pioneer in quantum computing since the 1970s, is widely recognized for his theoretical work that posits the successful development of quantum computing would support the "many worlds interpretation" of quantum mechanics and the existence of a multiverse. His early research was driven by a desire to test this very theory.

However, the sensationalized reporting of such complex scientific concepts has drawn fire from other experts. Astrophysicist Ethan Siegel, for instance, criticized Google's claims, accusing them of "conflating unrelated concepts" and arguing that quantum mechanics can function without implying parallel universes. The Daily Mirror's headline, "Google AI breakthrough with quantum computer that could 'access parallel universes'," exemplifies the kind of language that might have provoked Deutsch's strong reaction.

The incident underscores the tension between scientific precision and journalistic interpretation, particularly in rapidly evolving fields like quantum physics. While the breakthrough itself is hailed as a major step forward with potential applications in medicine, energy, and materials science, the public discourse around its philosophical implications remains a point of contention among leading scientists.