We present Digital DNA, a computational paradigm where data units ("datums") possess biological properties enabling self-governance, self-correction, and controlled self-destruction. Unlike conventional architectures treating data as passive material, Digital DNA treats data as living entities with ten properties derived from molecular biology — including genome, metabolism, immunity, lifecycle, and adaptation. The paradigm introduces structural safety constraints embedded in the data substrate itself rather than enforced by external policy layers. A working prototype has been implemented and tested. This paper describes the theoretical framework, the ten properties, and implications for autonomous systems, AI safety, and computational economics.
Taylor Prather (Wed,) studied this question.