MI5 chief warns AI could change the stakes in bioweapons development

Summary

In his annual speech on threats to the nation, Sir Ken McCallum, head of the UK's intelligence service MI5, warned that AI could 'change the stakes' on existing and new bioweapons. A Guardian podcast has Ian Sample speaking with Dr Tom Inglesby, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and the Bloomberg School of Public Health, who explains what has governments worried and what measures could reduce the risks. A video version of the same discussion was also published.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   20 Oct 2026, 04:00 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian's podcast reports that MI5 head Sir Ken McCallum warned in his annual threats speech that AI could 'change the stakes' on existing and new bioweapons, and features Johns Hopkins' Dr Tom Inglesby explaining the concerns and possible risk-reduction measures.

2. The Guardian

   20 Oct 2026, 12:14 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian's video version reports that MI5 head Sir Ken McCallum warned in his annual threats speech that AI could 'change the stakes' on existing and new bioweapons, with Johns Hopkins' Dr Tom Inglesby discussing the concerns and possible risk-reduction measures.