The CIA is thus going against its own previous assessment, namely that the virus was not genetically modified when it spread and was not treated in a laboratory – a conclusion that was made public in 2023.
The organization adds, however, that the "reliability is low" for the conclusion, which, according to assessors, indicates that the evidence is incomplete or contradictory.
The new stance is not based on new information, according to the CIA. Instead of new evidence, the new stance is based on new analyses of the work at virological laboratories in China.
Previous reports on the origin of COVID-19 have been divided between claims that the virus originated in a laboratory and spread, intentionally or not, and that it originated naturally, likely from bats.
The CIA continues to evaluate both theories about the coronavirus pandemic, assuming that both are possible.
The CIA will continue to evaluate all available and credible reports or other open information that could cause the CIA to change its opinion, says a spokesperson to AP.
The report that forms the basis for the change of opinion was completed at the request of former President Joe Biden's government. It was released, however, only two days after Donald Trump's man John Radcliffe succeeded Biden's CIA chief William Burns.
Radcliffe, who was the intelligence chief under Trump's previous time in the White House, has previously said that he believes in the laboratory theory.
The only theory supported by science, intelligence, and common sense, he said in 2023.
