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Information Hazards in Biotechnology

Author

Listed:
  • Gregory Lewis
  • Piers Millett
  • Anders Sandberg
  • Andrew Snyder‐Beattie
  • Gigi Gronvall

Abstract

With the advance of biotechnology, biological information, rather than biological materials, is increasingly the object of principal security concern. We argue that both in theory and in practice, existing security approaches in biology are poorly suited to manage hazardous biological information, and use the cases of Mousepox, H5N1 gain of function, and Botulinum toxin H to highlight these ongoing challenges. We suggest that mitigation of these hazards can be improved if one can: (1) anticipate hazard potential before scientific work is performed; (2) consider how much the new information would likely help both good and bad actors; and (3) aim to disclose information in the manner that maximally disadvantages bad actors versus good ones.

Suggested Citation

  • Gregory Lewis & Piers Millett & Anders Sandberg & Andrew Snyder‐Beattie & Gigi Gronvall, 2019. "Information Hazards in Biotechnology," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 39(5), pages 975-981, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:riskan:v:39:y:2019:i:5:p:975-981
    DOI: 10.1111/risa.13235
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Toby Ord & Rafaela Hillerbrand & Anders Sandberg, 2010. "Probing the improbable: methodological challenges for risks with low probabilities and high stakes," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(2), pages 191-205, March.
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