The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly 2024 (WTSA-24), held October 15-24, 2024, in New Delhi, India, set the ITU-T work program for the 2025-2028 study period and addressed quantum communication technologies and post-quantum cryptography. According to reporting by Portugal’s ANACOM, the assembly did not adopt a proposed new resolution on post-quantum cryptography, but the final report included a reference to the importance of promoting PQC migration in telecommunications networks and instructed Study Group 17 to continue work on the issue.
WTSA-24 confirmed the mandate of Study Group 17 (Security) for the new study period, with Question 15/17 renamed to “Quantum-based security” and continuing its focus on QKD network security, quantum random number generation, and emerging quantum security topics. Study Group 13 retained its mandate on QKDN network aspects, and the JCA-QKDN continued as a cross-group coordination mechanism.
On October 18, 2024, WTSA-24 elected Arnaud Taddei as the new Chair of Study Group 17, with representatives from 82 countries participating in the election. Taddei identified quantum-based security as one of the essential topics SG17 would tackle during the 2025-2028 study period, alongside AI security, identity management, and digital public infrastructure.