AI CEOs urge Congress to require screening for synthetic DNA orders

In short: Several AI company leaders signed a public letter asking Congress to require stronger screening of synthetic DNA and RNA orders to reduce bioweapon risks.

What happened

A group of AI leaders, scientists, and security experts sent a public letter to US lawmakers calling for new rules on synthetic DNA and RNA sales. Signers include Demis Hassabis of Google DeepMind, Sam Altman of OpenAI, Dario Amodei of Anthropic, and Mustafa Suleyman of Microsoft AI.

The letter asks Congress to require companies that sell synthetic DNA and RNA to screen both customers and the genetic sequences they order. Synthetic DNA is DNA that is made to order, like printing a custom text document, except the “text” is genetic code. The goal is to make it harder for criminals to buy pieces that could be used to build harmful pathogens or toxins.

The letter argues that as AI systems improve, they could lower the “know how” barrier that has kept many bad actors from developing biological weapons. It also warns that AI tools can help people find sellers with weaker checks, or change an order so it looks less suspicious.

The push builds on existing steps. Some gene synthesis companies already do voluntary screening, and Biden-era federal guidelines required federally funded buyers to use screened providers. A bipartisan Senate bill introduced earlier this year would expand screening requirements to all gene synthesis providers operating in the US.

Why it matters

This issue affects public safety. Ordering DNA by mail has become cheaper and easier, and researchers have shown that viruses can be reconstructed from purchased genetic material. Screening is not foolproof either, and a Microsoft study found that some AI designed sequences could slip past current checks. That is why some experts say AI companies should also block users from asking models for help with clearly dangerous tasks.

Source: Wired