Anthropic says Claude aided bird flu research with unclear risks

The case involved a researcher accessing Claude from a restricted region using workarounds. Anthropic banned the account in May but did not confirm whether the experiments were performed or whether the researcher intended harm. Experts like Thomas Friedrich of the University of Wisconsin note that gain-of-function research is routine in virology but faces scrutiny due to risks of accidents or misuse. While Anthropic’s report highlights five instances of AI-assisted biology, none appear technically sophisticated, though some researchers suspect ill intent. Biodefense expert Gregory Koblentz emphasizes that AI alone cannot create a biological threat without lab infrastructure, funding, and expertise.