Dual‐Use Equipment and Technology

Abstract Biological dual‐use equipment and technology consists of items and information that have both legitimate, civilian applications and potential illicit or weapons applications. Export control, for example, by regimes such as the Australia Group, is the primary system currently in place to monitor and manage the spread of dual‐use equipment and technology. A second governance mechanism in place is domestic regulation, for example, the required registration and prohibition of misuse of facilities, pathogen collections, and personnel working with certain agents, equipment, and technologies. The dual‐use dilemma and mechanisms in place to address it are discussed.