Global health and security policy announcements

White House Policy Tightens Synthetic DNA Rules to Block 1918 Virus Recreation

May 8, 2024, 08:43 AM

The White House has introduced a new policy aimed at standardizing the screening processes among companies that synthesize and distribute synthetic DNA. This initiative seeks to enhance biosecurity by preventing the misuse of synthetic DNA, particularly by ensuring that sequences linked to pathogens like the 1918 influenza virus are not easily accessible. Kevin Esvelt highlighted the ease of obtaining such DNA, noting that it should be difficult but is currently too easy. The policy responds to a recent demonstration where a red team found that 36 out of 38 gene synthesis providers would ship virus fragments that could be easily assembled into a full genome. The biotech community supports this move, underlining the need for responsible research practices.