Biological weapons: The weaponization of disease

Biological weapons have the potential to be weaponized through artificial intelligence, according to experts warning of long-term misuse. AI's ability to analyze and alter pathogens with precision could enable the development of biological weapons by both state and non-state actors. In October 2026, MI5 head Ken McCallum cautioned about the increased risk from biological weapons, including those from non-state actors, due to AI advancements.

Anthropic, an American AI company, reported blocking multiple attempts to use its AI assistant Claude for potential biological weapon research, including grant applications for gain-of-function research and projects on avian influenza variants that could be highly transmissible to mammals. Despite AI's potential military applications, legitimate scientific research could also involve these methods.

The challenge lies in distinguishing between legitimate scientific pursuits and their possible misuse in biological weapons. Biological weapons consist of a biological substance and a system for dissemination, often categorized as ABC weapons alongside atomic and chemical weapons. The first Biological Weapons Convention, prohibiting development, stockpiling, and use of biological and toxin-based weapons, came into force in 1975, ratified by 189 countries.

The WHO and UNODA define a biological weapon as the targeted release of biological substances to injure people, animals, or plants. However, no comparable system exists for controlling biological weapons, relying on transparency, voluntary reporting, and good faith. The ban on biological weapons has been insufficient, as demonstrated by the 2001 anthrax attacks in the United States, where spores were mailed to various recipients, infecting 22 people and causing five deaths.