Trend Malicious actors combining AI and engineering biology for bioweapons

Summary

The report warns that malicious actors could try to get around regulations and safeguards by pairing artificial intelligence with engineering biology to produce engineered biological weapons. Such weapons are illegal under international law. The report identifies AI-enabled scientific tools that could ease the creation of harmful new pathogens and toxins as the link between the two risks. Engineered pathogens could target people and also threaten keystone species, livestock and crops, undermining UK food security. In response, the UK has introduced measures such as screening guidance for synthetic nucleic acids, support for a stronger Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention, and more than 1.5 billion pounds a year for biosecurity. The report also links the issue to state threats, observing that hostile military states could gain an edge as human augmentation advances.