The standard no-signalling constraints in Bell scenarios are neither sufficient nor necessary for preventing superluminal signalling with general interventions

Abstract

Non-classical correlations resulting from entangled quantum systems have sparked debates about the compatibility of quantum theory and relativity, and about the right way to think about causation. Key to a causal theory is that superluminal signalling is forbidden, which holds in quantum theory. In Bell scenarios, relativistic causality principles like no superluminal signalling are often assumed to follow from the standard no-signalling constraints on correlations. We explore the connections between a range of relativistic principles, including no superluminal signalling and no causal loops, and constraints on correlations that can arise with arbitrary interventions, within multi-party Bell scenarios. This includes standard no-signalling conditions and proposed relaxations allowing phenomena like jamming, where it was suggested that superluminal signalling and causal loops remain impossible. Using our recent framework combining relativistic principles with causal modelling, we show that any theory (classical or non-classical) allowing jamming must rely on causal fine-tuning and superluminal causal influences. Additionally, we show that jamming theories can lead to superluminal signalling in certain situations, highlighting limitations for their physicality. However, we identify cases where jamming correlations avoid superluminal signalling under general interventions, demonstrating that standard no-signalling constraints are not necessary for this purpose. We also show that these constraints are insufficient to rule out superluminal signalling and are neither necessary nor sufficient for ensuring no causal loops under general interventions. Finally, we derive necessary and sufficient conditions for ruling out superluminal signalling and operationally detectable causal loops, solidifying our understanding of relativistic causality principles in information processing tasks in space-time.