Introduction
A national DNA database would collect data from millions of citizens across the country and store each individual’s genetic sequencing in an online registry for various purposes. There have been debates about whether or not a DNA registry with access to every citizens’ DNA should be implemented. Many nations across the world already store some form of DNA, such as fingerprints, iris scans, etc. For example, the United Kingdom has one of the largest DNA databases in the world and collects data from anyone who has been convicted. The collected DNA information is also stored in the system permanently. However, if one has only been arrested and not convicted, their information remains in the database for a minimum of 6 years, which is renewable on subsequent arrests [1]. As this technology grows, the government wants to expand the reach of the DNA registry and the information it holds. “In the last ten years alone we have gone from collecting DNA only from convicted sex offenders to now including people who have been arrested but never convicted of a crime.” [2]. The creation of a national DNA database consisting of DNA from every citizen collected through a mandatory collection program is not good public policy because it contains sensitive information, infringes on our 4th amendment rights, and can lead to false incarcerations of suspects.
Data Collection Risks
DNA that has been collected for a database doesn’t expire, meaning it can be stored for an infinite amount of time (if it is not manually deleted). They contain sensitive information such as family relations, susceptibility to disease (including hereditary), and even behavioral tendencies [3]. This capability for indefinite storage and unlimited sharing creates a huge privacy risk. There is also the issue of people not wanting to participate in this mandatory DNA collection program. What would happen to individuals that don’t want the government to have their DNA? Would they be arrested, restricted, or targeted in any way? People should have the right to choose whether or not they want to distribute their DNA and its confidentiality instead of forcibly giving it to the government for a national database. Some may consider this an infringement of our 4th amendment rights if the police are able to access the database without a search warrant. The national database is also at risk from hackers which have the capability of leaking millions of people’s data online. The company MyHeritage is an example of such hacking where over 92 million accounts were hacked, resulting in emails and passwords being exposed. Despite DNA data not being breached, this type of hacking is definitely cause for concern [4]. A national DNA database would be a huge risk because of the sensitive information that our DNA contains, hacking threats, and the possibility it is unrightfully accessed by law enforcement.
Contamination Concerns
DNA evidence can be contaminated when DNA from another source gets mixed with DNA relevant to the case. During an investigation, the contamination of DNA can occur when it is collected, transported, or stored. DNA analysis can also be inaccurate and unreliable. In 2015, news about a San Francisco Police Department lab had several “irregularities” or missing gaps in the DNA, which were then filled in by an analyst to complete. The lab went ahead with this poor DNA to search the database to identify potential suspects [5]. This procedure was a violation of the rules implemented by California state laws (as only good quality DNA samples can be sent for analysis) and it’s projected that this misconduct affected as many as 1,400 cases [6]. If DNA samples collected from crime scenes are not being properly processed, it leads to the false incarceration of a suspect. This instance is an example of why there needs to be more restrictions put in place to ensure that DNA is properly handled, processed, and investigated before it is cross referenced with other DNA samples. If every single person’s DNA is in a database, then the probability of more incorrect matches and false prosecutions would increase drastically.
Conclusion
I support a database that collects DNA of convicted criminals, members of the military (for identification purposes), missing persons, and other select cases. However, I do not support the move towards collecting every person’s DNA because it is too invasive. Collecting the DNA information of every citizen is a privacy risk where the ends do not justify the means. The possibility of hackers breaching the data of millions and exposing their DNA profiles is too risky. If the data is stored indefinitely then that makes even more profiles subject to harm or breaches. Police departments with access to the registry may try and access it without following proper protocols, either violating 4th amendment rights or state laws in an attempt to match suspects with poor DNA. It is for these reasons that a DNA registry that collects the data of every civilian should not be implemented and is poor public policy.
I agree with this post and its concerns. A national DNA database is the definition of a slippery slope. There are a variety of issues raised with it, such as who has access to the database, how long is the DNA stored for, how secure is it, etc... Defining when someone should have access to the database would be difficult and complicated. The benefits do not seem to outweigh the risks to me.
ReplyDeleteI agree that there shouldn't be mandatory collection of DNA from every citizen. I do think that having a DNA database is beneficial to society, and it would be better to have more people in it so that there is more expansive data to be used for analysis (both for criminal cases and genetics research), but due to the privacy risks, I don't think it should be required. I would continue to only collect DNA from people who have been arrested, or from people who agree to donate it.
ReplyDeleteI think that it would be unethical, to have a mandatory collection of DNA of every citizen, as Alex said. I think the general cost, would too be much burdensome on taxpayers, and as I raised the issue earlier, the misuse of data, as well as an invasion of privacy is likely to occur. If that data were to breached let's say, that would be an extreme violation of the privacy of every American citizen.
ReplyDeleteShould a DNA database be established, it should only be from opt in donors and from those convicted of a crime, of some minimum degree, perhaps felonies. This program would be extremely expensive should it be applied to all citizens, and I believe that it would be overall pretty ineffective.
ReplyDeleteIn the event that there is the establishment of a national DNA database, I believe that it should be limited to people who are convicted of a crime (not sure what level and would be interested to hear thoughts) or volunteers who have given informed consent. If the DNA database is well managed and secure it has the potential to reduce crime, serve justice and have a meaningful impact on the genetic research community (de-identified genetic research).
ReplyDeleteI think that a DNA database should be limited to convicted people instead of opening it up to everyone in the country. I think that by having a large database that is there forever there is a greater risk of data breaches and security issues, and it would be too much information on people. I also think that this data should only be used for security, and should not include research because I believe that research projects should have informed consent and should gather the information with the person knowing that it is being collected.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the post DNA is a very personal thing and can easily be wrong at times. There could be some virus or contamination in the DNA that changes it. It’s also that DNA would have to be renewed or checked due to the fact it changes sometimes. There is also the fact that people may not want other people to have their DNA at their disposal.
ReplyDeleteThis is from Jaskehar
DeleteThis post brings up a lot of good points, one that is not mentioned is that those who had family who were convicted of crimes and had their DNA entered into a database would be more likely to be picked up, wrongfully or otherwise. This would perpetuate systematic over-policing , as someone whos brother had committed B&E who happened to be at a crime scene would be statistically more likely to be accused than someone who had no family connections to crime.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your conclusion. Collecting everyone's DNA oversteps the privacy and security of the vast amount of people. I think there is room for us to better utilize DNA in investigations and searches without unnecessarily making people who have done nothing wrong divulge a very private and detailed form of personal information.
ReplyDelete