AI rivals back DNA rules to limit bioweapons risk in rare show of unity Executives from major AI companies, including OpenAI and Google DeepMind, have joined biotechnology experts in urging the US Congress to mandate safety screening for synthetic DNA purchases. They warn that rapid AI advancements could significantly lower the knowledge and skill barriers to developing biological weapons. The signatories advocate for mandatory record-keeping and screening as effective biosecurity measures that are currently not legally required.

• Leading AI executives and biotech experts are calling for mandatory safety screening of synthetic DNA purchases.
• They argue that advances in AI could weaken biosecurity barriers and increase the risk of biological weapons development.
• Synthetic DNA, which can be ordered online, has legitimate uses but also poses risks if used by malicious actors.
• Current voluntary screening practices are insufficient, and a legal requirement for screening and record-keeping is proposed.
• AI systems are becoming sophisticated enough to potentially outperform experts in complex biological procedures, eroding historical access barriers to bioweapons.