Immediate Actions for the UK
However, more needs to be done, and the UK must act swiftly on three fronts. The Foundation Model Taskforce, responsible for safe AI development, should lead these efforts. To ensure biosecurity expertise, the newly announced UK Biosecurity Leadership Council, comprising academic, industry, and government leaders, can play a vital role. Implementing a series of chokepoints to restrict access to dangerous tools, such as removing harmful biology information from AI training data, imposing stringent content controls, and preventing the distribution of software used for designing deadly biological agents, is imperative.
Enhancing Pathogen Detection
Key to mitigation is rapid pathogen detection in case of an outbreak. As a world leader in metagenomic sequencing, the UK government can significantly contribute to detecting previously unknown pathogens at the nascent stage of outbreaks. AI can be leveraged to facilitate early detection, particularly in countries with limited healthcare resources.
Uniting for AI and Biotechnology Risk
Recognizing the converging risk posed by AI and biotechnology, it is crucial for nations to come together. The UK is set to host the world’s first AI safety summit, focusing on biosecurity as a tangible high-risk area. This endeavor should be pursued with global coverage and linked to multilateral initiatives, including the pandemic treaty.
Biosecurity specialists understand the increasingly perilous technological landscape. However, advancements like mass genetic sequencing and rapidly deployable mRNA vaccines offer hope for rendering bioweapons obsolete and eradicating pandemics.
There is a narrow window of opportunity for targeted, effective action that requires competent policymaking and statecraft, on par with scientific capabilities, to act proactively before risks materialize.