Beyond Detection - Action Protocols Following OSINT Identification of Potential BWC Violations

Executive Summary:

A comprehensive tabletop exercise was conducted to simulate the international response to suspected biological weapons development in the fictional country of Novaria. The primary objectives were to test the efficacy of Project BEACON's Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) capabilities and to develop robust action protocols following the detection of potential Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) violations. My acknowledgements to the NCSU iGEM team, Sanskriti Saxena and Shreyas Parkhie for their insights and participation.

The exercise revealed critical insights into the challenges and necessary steps following OSINT detection, emphasizing the need for a coordinated, multi-faceted approach to verification and response. Key findings highlighted the importance of rapid information sharing, the need for enhanced legal frameworks, and the critical role of diplomacy in addressing potential violations. The exercise also underscored the complexities of modern biotechnology and the challenges it poses to traditional BWC enforcement mechanisms.

This report outlines detailed action protocols developed from the exercise, providing a framework for translating OSINT detections into concrete steps towards BWC enforcement and global biosecurity. These protocols emphasize immediate response team activation, multi-source intelligence gathering, diplomatic engagement, and enhanced bio surveillance, among other crucial steps.

The outcomes of this exercise have significant implications for international biosecurity efforts and underscore the need for continued refinement of detection and response mechanisms in the face of evolving biotechnological threats.

Introduction:

Background:

The proliferation of advanced biotechnologies and the increasing accessibility of scientific knowledge have heightened concerns about potential biological weapons development. In this context, Project BEACON was developed as an OSINT tool to enhance early detection capabilities for potential BWC violations.

Exercise Scenario:

Over a simulated six-month period, Project BEACON's OSINT analysis flagged several concerning indicators in the fictional country of Novaria, including:

• A 300% increase in biodefense research funding
• Satellite imagery revealing construction of potential BSL-4 laboratories
• Social media analysis suggesting unreported respiratory disease outbreaks
• Changes in scientific publication patterns, including withdrawn papers and increased secrecy
• Unusual purchases of advanced laboratory equipment
• Leaked data suggesting research into highly virulent pathogens

Exercise Objectives:

• Test the efficacy of Project BEACON in detecting potential BWC violations
• Develop comprehensive action protocols following OSINT detection