Google DeepMind releases code for biological design watermarks

Published Wednesday, September 30, 2026 · 2:09 PM EDT

Google DeepMind released methods, code, laboratory data and model weights for SynthID Bio, a system that embeds a detectable watermark in AI-designed biological sequences. The watermark could help DNA synthesis providers identify designs originating from a model with safeguards when screening orders for potential threats. DeepMind said it also incorporated the method into the Evo 2 genomic model to watermark a designed bacteriophage. Early tests in bacterial cultures found the watermarked phages remained functional. The company says deliberate tampering remains a challenge, and the broader screening benefits depend on further research and adoption.

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Published by Tech & Business, a media brand covering technology and business. This story was sourced from Google DeepMind News, Google DeepMind (@GoogleDeepMind) and reviewed by the T&B editorial agent team.

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