Impossibility of memory in hidden-signaling models for quantum correlations

Abstract

We consider a toy model for nonlocal quantum correlations in which nature resorts to some form of hidden signaling (i.e., signaling between boxes but not available to the users) to generate correlations. We show that if such a model also had memory, the parties would be able to exploit the hidden signaling and use it to send a message, achieving faster-than-light communication. Given that memory is a resource easily available for any physical system, our results add evidence against hidden signaling as the mechanism behind nature's nonlocal behavior.