AI Industry Leaders Call for Mandatory DNA and RNA Screening to Strengthen Biosecurity

Summary

AI leaders from Google DeepMind, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Microsoft have signed a public letter calling for mandatory screening of synthetic DNA and RNA orders. The proposal would require gene synthesis sellers to verify customers and screen orders before potentially dangerous genetic material reaches labs. This turns AI biosecurity into a supply-chain control issue, where oversight happens at the point of ordering genetic material rather than at the design stage. The signatories include major AI labs, biotechnology firms, life-sciences groups, national-security specialists, and policy organizations backing the measure.