Implementing Gene Synthesis Screening in Australia

Background

AI is making it easier to create a biological weapon. AI systems can now provide expert-level guidance relevant to biological weapons development, and generate genomes of viruses (bacteriophages) not previously seen in nature. Most biological AI tools—over 95%—have no safeguards at all.

Gene synthesis screening is a key mitigation against the misuse of biotechnology to create pathogens. It involves providers checking orders for dangerous sequences and verifying customers before shipping. Most synthetic nucleic acids used in Australia are imported, making import conditions a practical way to implement screening.

In September 2026, California became the first jurisdiction in the world to mandate gene synthesis screening. This report details how Australia could follow California's lead.

Recommendations

The report recommends Government:

1. Publish an Australian Framework for Gene Synthesis Screening. This would be provider-facing and set out requirements providers must meet, including sequence screening, customer verification, refusing and reporting flagged orders, record keeping, and cybersecurity. This framework could be modelled on the US Framework for Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening.
2. Impose an import condition on synthetic nucleic acids, requiring providers to declare they have screened orders in line with Australia's Framework for Gene Synthesis Screening. This uses existing powers under the Biosecurity Act 2015 and requires no new legislation.

Biosecurity risks from AI are not currently catastrophic, but will escalate quickly. Australia must act now to stay ahead.