AI Putting Dangerous Biological, Chemical Know-How Within Reach, Officials Warn

Researchers work in a laboratory in Brisbane, Australia. University of Queensland

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making dangerous biological and chemical knowledge more accessible to people without specialist training, Home Affairs officials have warned a parliamentary inquiry.

First Assistant Secretary Greta Doherty told the Joint Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence on Oct. 30 that the department was working with the United Kingdom to address threats arising from “enhanced access to biological and chemical options that wouldn’t be available to a layperson.”

She said AI could also make it “quicker and easier” for individuals to obtain what they needed to plan physical or terrorist attacks.

“There is definitely a range of national security implications from the democratisation of things that previously were only held in the hands of specialists,” Doherty said.

The department’s submission (pdf) to the inquiry warned that AI would “almost certainly” worsen existing national security risks, including by making illegal and harmful materials easier to obtain and produce.

15 Agencies Working on Emerging Risks

Assistant Secretary Whitney Harris said Home Affairs had established a working group called Synapse about 18 months ago to examine the intersection of AI and synthetic biology, which involves engineering living organisms.

The group brings together approximately 15 federal agencies, including those responsible for health, law enforcement, and intelligence.

Independent MP Kate Chaney questioned which agency was responsible for acting on the group’s findings.

Harris said Home Affairs chaired Synapse, but responsibility for relevant regulations and policies remained with individual agencies.

Chaney also asked whether Australia was relying heavily on Britain to develop its response to emerging biological threats.

Doherty responded that the UK had recently increased investment in biological research at its AI security institute, but Australia was also developing its own capabilities.

She said the department was seeking to “amplify” Australia’s efforts through cooperation with Britain.

The government would also examine existing biosecurity regulations and other rules governing chemical and biological hazards to identify potential gaps, Doherty said.

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