In a striking discussion at the California State Assembly's Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee meeting on May 27, 2025, experts raised urgent concerns about the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and biosecurity. The meeting highlighted the potential risks posed by AI in facilitating the development of biological weapons, particularly in the context of pandemic threats.

A key speaker, an evolutionary engineer from the Media Lab, emphasized the alarming ease with which individuals could misuse AI to create harmful biological agents. He pointed out that current large language models (LLMs) could provide critical information that might aid malicious actors in developing bioweapons. "If someone has an idea that they want to cause harm, do they know how to cause harm?" he questioned, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

The expert detailed a troubling experiment where synthetic DNA fragments of the 1918 influenza virus were ordered from multiple suppliers, revealing significant gaps in biosecurity regulations. "Thirty-six out of thirty-eight companies shipped it," he noted, illustrating the legal loopholes that could be exploited for nefarious purposes. He called for immediate action from California lawmakers to address these vulnerabilities.

The discussion also touched on the dual nature of AI's capabilities. While current models are not yet sophisticated enough to pose an immediate threat, their rapid advancement raises concerns about future iterations potentially guiding users through the protocols for creating infectious agents. "The frontier models can provide critical information to aid a malicious actor along each step of the bioweapons development pathway," he warned.

In conclusion, the meeting served as a wake-up call for policymakers to consider the implications of AI on public health and safety. As the technology evolves, the need for robust biosecurity measures becomes increasingly critical to prevent potential misuse that could lead to catastrophic outcomes. The expert urged California to take proactive steps to close existing loopholes and safeguard against the misuse of biotechnology in the age of AI.