BackBioterrorism
Sub-category
Risk Domain
Using AI systems to develop cyber weapons (e.g., by coding cheaper, more effective malware), develop new or enhance existing weapons (e.g., Lethal Autonomous Weapons or chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives), or use weapons to cause mass harm.
"AIs with knowledge of bioengineering could facilitate the creation of novel bioweapons and lower barriers to obtaining such agents."(p. 6)
Entity— Who or what caused the harm
Intent— Whether the harm was intentional or accidental
Timing— Whether the risk is pre- or post-deployment
Supporting Evidence (4)
1.
"Bioengineered pandemics present a new threat."(p. 6)
2.
"Biotechnology is progressing rapidly and becoming more accessible." (p. 7)(p. 7)
3.
"AIs could be used to expedite the discovery of new, more deadly chemical and biological weapons"(p. 7)
4.
"AIs compound the threat of bioengineered pandemics"(p. 7)
Part of Malicious Use (Intentional)
Other risks from Hendrycks, Mazzeika & Woodside (2023) (13)
Malicious Use (Intentional)
4.0 Malicious Actors & MisuseHumanIntentionalPost-deployment
Malicious Use (Intentional) > Unleashing AI Agents
4.2 Cyberattacks, weapon development or use, and mass harmHumanIntentionalPre-deployment
Malicious Use (Intentional) > Persuasive AIs
4.1 Disinformation, surveillance, and influence at scaleAI systemOtherPost-deployment
Malicious Use (Intentional) > Concentration of Power
6.1 Power centralization and unfair distribution of benefitsHumanIntentionalOther
AI Race (Environmental/Structural)
6.4 Competitive dynamicsHumanIntentionalOther
AI Race (Environmental/Structural) > Military AI Arms Race
6.4 Competitive dynamicsHumanIntentionalOther