AI CEOs Warn Congress Over Bioweapon Risks

Leaders from OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft AI, and Google DeepMind—including Sam Altman, Dario Amodei, Mustafa Suleyman, and Demis Hassabis—have united in an open letter to U.S. Congress demanding stricter biosecurity measures. The letter calls for mandatory screening of synthetic DNA and RNA orders to detect dangerous genetic sequences, along with recordkeeping to trace suspicious activity. The warning stems from concerns that AI tools could accelerate the design and testing of lethal biological agents, even if chatbots themselves cannot directly create pandemics. The proposed regulations target the supply chain of synthetic biology, where companies currently handle orders for genetic material used in vaccines, diagnostics, and research. While some providers already screen orders voluntarily, the letter argues that gaps in compliance—such as missed sequences or lax standards—create vulnerabilities. The fix proposed is a legal baseline requiring screening, customer verification, and equipment oversight to prevent misuse. The letter reflects an unusual alignment among AI rivals, including OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft, Google DeepMind, and Meta, who typically compete fiercely. Organized by the Foundation for American Innovation and the Institute for Progress, it also gained support from biotech companies and national security experts. The focus is on synthetic genetic material suppliers, not just AI chatbots, as a critical chokepoint for biosecurity risks. Experts note that mandatory screening alone won’t solve all risks, as Microsoft researchers have demonstrated AI’s ability to paraphrase toxic proteins. However, the letter argues that preemptive regulations are necessary to prevent AI from making biological weapons more accessible. The U.S. move could influence global standards, particularly for countries like South Africa where tech and biotech regulations often follow American precedents. The letter highlights the dual-use nature of AI in biology—accelerating medical advancements while posing risks if misused. By targeting the supply chain, the proposal aims to balance innovation with safety before tools become too advanced for oversight.