Although biological weapons remain strictly prohibited under international law, rapid advancements in biotechnology and artificial intelligence have sparked renewed concerns among global security experts. It is allegedly feared that modern technological tools could be misused to analyze, alter, or synthesize dangerous pathogens.

According to statements from security officials, including the head of the British domestic intelligence service MI5, Ken McCallum, artificial intelligence supposedly increases the risk profile associated with both existing and novel biological threats, potentially empowering non-state actors. Furthermore, reports from tech enterprises indicate that automated AI assistants have faced numerous attempts to leverage their capabilities for sensitive virological research.

A fundamental challenge in mitigating these risks lies in the persistent problem of dual-use technology. Laboratory equipment and computational models designed for legitimate medical advancements and vaccine development can theoretically be repurposed for military applications, blurring the lines between peaceful science and prohibited research.

Critics and analysts point out that unlike the chemical weapons regime, which benefits from robust on-site verification through the OPCW, the biological weapons convention lacks a comparable mandatory inspection mechanism. The European regime and international bodies continue to rely heavily on voluntary transparency and good faith, leaving significant gaps in global oversight.

Source: www.dw.com