Organizational context: the letter was organized by the Institute for Progress and the Foundation for American Innovation.

Leading AI executives from Google DeepMind, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Microsoft AI are urging the US Congress to enact laws requiring screening of synthetic DNA and RNA orders to prevent misuse of AI in developing biological weapons.

The letter reflects cross-stakeholder agreement on a preventive approach to dual-use AI and biology, emphasizing governance, transparency, and traceability without prescribing specific technologies.

As DNA printing and gene synthesis become automated and widespread, providers often vet customers, but current screening practices are not universal and may be insufficient.

Gaps in safeguards are illustrated by a Microsoft study showing AI-powered protein design tools generating dangerous gene sequences that bypass some screening software, underscoring the need for stronger protections.

Signatories include scientists, national security experts, and gene-synthesis executives calling for safeguards and tighter regulations on who can obtain genetic material.

The core policy request is for screening of DNA and RNA requests for sequences of concern, verification of customer legitimacy before synthesis, and data recording to deter misuse and aid investigations through traceability.

The rationale is tied to rapid AI progress: faster development could erode historical barriers to misuse of biological information, making proactive safeguards more urgent.

OpenAI has advanced the debate with a policy white paper on federal vetting of AI models, and Sam Altman met with Senator Bernie Sanders to discuss AI safety concerns.

AI tools could enable bypassing screening by identifying non-screened suppliers and suggesting order modifications to evade detection, potentially easing dangerous biological design.

The call to action is clear: enact laws mandating screening of synthetic genetic material orders to prevent misuse while preserving legitimate research.

There is broad consensus among AI leaders against AI-assisted bioweapons, with OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Anthropic’s Dario Amodei among those co-signing the open letter.