OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Microsoft, and others have signed an open letter arguing that the current situation, where synthetic DNA and RNA that can be repurposed for biological weapons are available online in an era where AI can teach us how to create them, is problematic.

An open letter signed by tech companies such as Anthropic has been submitted, arguing that the current situation, where synthetic DNA and RNA are easily available on the internet, is problematic, even if it is for research and medical purposes. The signatories are concerned that AI could potentially be used to develop biological weapons.

An Open Letter in Support of Mandatory Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening and Recordkeeping

The letter states, 'As life science researchers, AI and biotechnology developers, and experts with broad views on AI policy approaches, we call upon legislators to mandate review of orders for synthetic nucleic acids and the equipment required to manufacture them.'

For years, scientists have warned that advances in synthetic biology could make it easier to artificially create dangerous organisms or revive pathogens that were previously extinct. While such technologies could cause immense damage if misused, improperly handled, or accidentally released, until now, they have been left to skilled scientists with access to advanced laboratories, equipment, and resources.

However, in recent years, the capabilities of AI models have improved, raising concerns that dangerous organisms could be created using materials that are easily accessible to the general public.

Companies that provide synthetic DNA and RNA established the International Gene Synthesis Consortium in 2009 and have developed and implemented voluntary safety measures against misuse. However, these measures are voluntary and were created in an era before gene-generating AI existed, so they do not meet modern standards. The letter requests that companies be required to screen and keep records of users of synthetic DNA and RNA. This letter was made public to the U.S. government.

The letter states, 'While the issue itself is not new, the speed of AI advancement is. Current AIs outperform PhD-level virologists in their respective fields when it comes to questions about highly specialized experimental procedures. AI is advancing rapidly, and along with the immeasurable benefits it brings to science and medicine, it is also significantly lowering the barriers to advanced knowledge, creating the possibility for malicious actors to obtain biological weapons. Suppliers of synthetic DNA and RNA should verify the legitimacy of their customers and record orders and sequence data.'

Signatories include Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodi, and other representatives from AI and tech companies as well as those in the synthetic DNA and RNA industry.