Foreign actors already using AI to develop bioweapons, Parliament warned
Foreign actors are using AI to develop biological weapons, with multiple attempts already found.
Global Shield Australia warned a parliamentary committee in Sydney. On day two of hearings, it said advanced AI poses a severe risk.
Director Devon Whittle said foreign governments have tried using AI to help develop biological weapons. An AI company called Anthropic recently stopped attempts to develop avian influenza.
Whittle said Australia can screen imported DNA products at the border, similar to California's new law. This just needs a decision by the Department of Agriculture.
He also urged reporting of AI breaches and unauthorized data access. Warehouse and retail workers already face surveillance and automated management through AI systems with little say.
- Devon Whittle
- Director
- Anthropic
- AI company
Why it mattersThe sooner Australia acts to regulate dangerous AI misuse, the harder it will be for hostile states or individuals to weaponize the technology against civilian populations.
AustraliaParliament is considering urgent legislation to screen DNA imports and require AI breach reporting, which could make Australia harder to target for bioweapon development while setting workplace protections for workers affected by automated systems.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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