Artificial intelligence challenges in the face of biological threats: emerging catastrophic risks for public health

Renan Chaves de Lima; Lucas Sinclair; Ricardo Megger; Magno Alessandro Guedes Maciel; Pedro Fernando da Costa Vasconcelos; Juarez Antônio Simões Quaresma

doi:10.3389/frai.2024.1382356

Artificial intelligence challenges in the face of biological threats: emerging catastrophic risks for public health

Front Artif Intell. 2024 May 10:7:1382356. doi: 10.3389/frai.2024.1382356. eCollection 2024.

Authors

Renan Chaves de Lima^{1

2}, Lucas Sinclair¹, Ricardo Megger¹, Magno Alessandro Guedes Maciel^{1

3}, Pedro Fernando da Costa Vasconcelos⁴, Juarez Antônio Simões Quaresma^{2

4

5}

Affiliations

¹ GA.IA-AI Integrated Analysis Group, Remote Group, Brazil.
² Postgraduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Tropical Medicine Center, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil.
³ MBA Program in Artificial Intelligence for Business, Faculdade Exame, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
⁴ Department of Pathology, State University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil.
⁵ School of Medicine, São Paulo University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Abstract

The threat landscape of biological hazards with the evolution of AI presents challenges. While AI promises innovative solutions, concerns arise about its misuse in the creation of biological weapons. The convergence of AI and genetic editing raises questions about biosecurity, potentially accelerating the development of dangerous pathogens. The mapping conducted highlights the critical intersection between AI and biological threats, underscoring emerging risks in the criminal manipulation of pathogens. Technological advancement in biology requires preventative and regulatory measures. Expert recommendations emphasize the need for solid regulations and responsibility of creators, demanding a proactive, ethical approach and governance to ensure global safety.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; biological threats; catastrophic risks; public health; safety.

Grants and funding

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This article was funded by the National Institute of Science and Technology for Emerging and Re-emerging Viruses—INCT-VER/CNPq-406360/2022-7.