Chatgpt’s parent company has alerted that its future models could facilitate the creation of viruses.
In this post published on June 18, 2025, Openai also warns what the firm calls ” The elevation of novices ». A phenomenon where AI would transmit to individuals without scientific expertise the skills necessary to manipulate sensitive biological data.
Novice elevation
Unlike experienced virologists, amateurs could Access specific instructions To reproduce or modify viruses via AI as chatgpt.
OPENAI has been anticipating this risk since April 2025, when the company began to strengthen its security measures. But according to Johannes Heidecke, responsible for security systems at Openai, this threat is not yet fully materialized.
However, future models, such as successors in O3 and O4-Mini versions, could soon offer such capacities. In addition, access to laboratories and organic materials are regulated, but is not not completely hermetic.
Faced with this risk, Openai has already set up safeguards to limit abuse. Its chatgpt models block requests related to the creation of viruses or biological weapons.
In the event of a suspicious request, an algorithm intercepts it and a human examination takes over to assess the danger. In addition, before deploying a new AI, Openai performs rigorous tests in collaboration with external experts and public authorities.
Medicine and viruses, the duality of use of chatgpt
AI is not only a potential threat, but also a promise. The same chatgpt models which could, in theory, guide the creation of a virus offer advanced in medicine.
Openai underlines that its tools could accelerate the discovery of new drugs, design more efficient vaccines or even develop treatments for rare diseases.
In addition to technological safeguards, the company collaborates with teams specializing in biosecurity to test the robustness of its systems.
She also works with institutions such as Los Alamos National Lab to study theIA impact in laboratory environments.
A summit on biodefense, scheduled for July 2025, will bring together researchers, NGOs and authorities to explore the risks and opportunities of AI in biology.
- Share the article:
Our blog is powered by readers. When you buy via links on our site, we can receive an affiliation commission.
