British ministers are considering tighter gene-synthesis safeguards to prevent terrorists and other malicious actors from using artificial intelligence to help design biological threats. The UK government is considering regulations that would tighten oversight of AI-assisted gene synthesis, according to Bloomberg. Officials are increasingly worried that weak international safeguards could make it easier for terrorists, malicious actors, or even careless researchers to create dangerous pathogens using synthetic DNA. One proposal would update existing laws to require laboratories that produce synthetic DNA to screen customers and flag suspicious genetic sequence requests to authorities. Officials are also examining whether the government should place limits on how AI companies work with universities and research institutions that hold large genome sequencing datasets. “We are monitoring the risks posed by emerging technologies closely, actively weighing at all times what more may be needed. We will always take whatever action is necessary to keep the public safe,” a government spokesperson said, per Bloomberg. The UK’s options are constrained by the international nature of gene synthesis. Even if Britain adopts stricter rules, officials …