Blockchain in Biosecurity: A Case Study for Strengthening the Biological Weapons Convention

Area of Science:

• Biosecurity
• International Relations
• Information Technology

Background:

• The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) requires new verification methods to improve compliance and transparency.
• Current low submission rates of confidence-building measures limit the BWC's effectiveness.
• Facilities handling sensitive biological materials face challenges with data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of blockchain technology in supporting laboratory oversight under the BWC.
• To assess how blockchain can address data integrity, traceability, and secure data sharing for sensitive biological materials.
• To evaluate blockchain's role in enhancing biosecurity and international collaboration.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of blockchain technology's features (decentralization, tamper-resistance).
• Examination of blockchain's applicability to laboratory oversight and data management in biosecurity contexts.
• Assessment of blockchain's potential to support cooperative investigations under Article V of the BWC.

Main Results:

• Blockchain offers a decentralized, tamper-resistant ledger for secure and open data management.
• Implementation can establish unalterable records, increasing accountability and trust.
• The technology facilitates secure sharing of sensitive biological data for international cooperation and investigations.
• Benefits include enhanced information reliability, access control, and traceability of biological materials.

Conclusions:

• Blockchain technology presents a viable solution for strengthening BWC compliance and global biosecurity.
• It addresses key challenges in data integrity and secure sharing for sensitive biological materials.
• Overcoming challenges like scalability, training, and funding is crucial for successful integration.