TLDR:
Key Points:
- WHO warns that AI, cyber-attacks, and genetic engineering pose biosecurity threats
- Rapid technological advances have redefined the biological threat landscape
AI, cyber-attacks and amateur experiments threaten to upend global biosecurity, WHO warns
The World Health Organization has issued a warning about the potential catastrophic biosecurity threats posed by artificial intelligence, cyber-attacks, and genetic engineering. The report advises member states to include essential elements of biological risk mitigation and management in their national laboratory biosafety and laboratory biosecurity strategies. The guidance also clarifies the term ‘biosecurity’ and emphasizes the need for strong frameworks to handle high-consequence pathogens.
The UK’s 2023 Biological Security Strategy report aims for the UK to be resilient to biological threats and a global leader in innovation by 2030. Former deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden highlights the importance of innovation and strengthening health resilience to protect the future wellbeing and economic security of the UK.