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

Abstract

New verification approaches are needed to strengthen compliance and build transparency under the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). This study considers how blockchain technology could support laboratory oversight by addressing issues like data integrity, traceability, and secure data sharing in facilities handling sensitive biological materials. Low submission rates of confidence building measures currently limit the impact of the BWC. Blockchain’s decentralized, tamper-resistant ledger brings security and openness critical for international collaboration in biosecurity. Using blockchain, laboratories can establish unalterable records that build accountability and trust among stakeholders while lowering the risk of data manipulation. This system also supports cooperative investigations under Article V of the BWC by providing a secure platform for sharing sensitive biological data between states. Key benefits include more substantial information reliability, better control over access, and the ability to trace biological materials’ origins and uses, helping distinguish lawful activities from illicit ones. These improvements support BWC compliance by allowing for selective and privacy-conscious data sharing. Challenges such as scalability, technical training, balancing data security with transparency, and securing long-term funding must be addressed through thoughtful planning and cooperation. As BWC member states seek stronger compliance measures, integrating blockchain provides a solution that could significantly support global biosecurity over the next 50 years.