BackAbility to enhance and modify pathogens
Ability to enhance and modify pathogens
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.
"AI can be used to enhance pathogens, making them more lethal or resistant to treatments."(p. 11)
Entity: Who or what caused the harm
Intent: Whether the harm was intentional or accidental
Timing: Whether the risk is pre- or post-deployment
Other risks from Uuk et al. (2025) (60)
Control
7.1 AI pursuing its own goals in conflict with human goals or valuesAI systemIntentionalPost-deployment
Democracy
6.0 Socioeconomic & EnvironmentalOtherOtherOther
Discrimination
1.1 Unfair discrimination and misrepresentationOtherOtherPost-deployment
Economy
6.2 Increased inequality and decline in employment qualityOtherOtherPost-deployment
Environment
6.6 Environmental harmAI systemUnintentionalPost-deployment
Governance
6.5 Governance failureAI systemUnintentionalPost-deployment