Benchtop DNA synthesizers let anyone print gene sequences without any screening or oversight

Desktop DNA printers (e.g., Syntax Bio, DNA Script) now cost under $20K and can synthesize gene-length sequences in-house, completely bypassing the commercial synthesis companies that perform biosecurity screening. A researcher, biohacker, or malicious actor with a benchtop synthesizer can print any DNA sequence -- including select agent sequences -- with no screening, no reporting, and no regulatory oversight. This persists because DNA synthesis regulation is voluntary (International Gene Synthesis Consortium guidelines are not law), the US has no federal regulation of DNA synthesis equipment sales, and the biosecurity screening framework was built around the assumption that synthesis would remain centralized at commercial providers.