False matches occur at higher rates between DNA profiles that may be partially the same as any database expands. The use of population-wide DNA for identification is also not foolproof, with identification errors increasing with the size of any database. The removal of innocent people’s profiles did not reduce the role of DNA in solving crimes, challenging one of the fundamental rationales behind mass DNA collection. Millions of innocent people’s DNA profiles uploaded to forensic databases were removed following a judgement by the European Court of Human Rights which concluded that the blanket, indiscriminate nature of DNA collection from innocent people was disproportionate and does not respect the private life of citizens. In addition, including large numbers of innocent people on a DNA database significantly reduces its cost-effectiveness for solving crimes, as the majority of the population are not criminals. The recent experience in England illustrates this point. However, making DNA collection compulsory for all, is a questionable approach to rectifying the current problems of expanding databases, which may instead have the potential to increase any potential misuse of genetic information. The main arguments made by those in support of universal DNA databases is that they can support criminal investigations, and overcome some of the discrimination and errors that may occur from current DNA databases, including mismanagement, false matches, and misuses of genetic information. As such, DNA information is considered private, and human rights safeguards are essential in maintaining the right to privacy and protection against potential discrimination and mass surveillance. Even distant relatives may be identified, raising additional concerns regarding the potential discrimination against people of different racialised or minoritized peoples. DNA carries personal information about an individual, including allowing the identification of their relatives, and certain aspects of their health and physical characteristics.
Collection of DNA from people without consent is regarded as a violation of bodily integrity. Mandatory collection of DNA for a universal DNA database, or for national ID schemes (see ‘Your DNA as Your ID’), raises human rights implications for a population. Could whole populations have their DNA stored in future and used for multiple purposes? DNA can be used for identification, criminal investigation, medical diagnoses, identifying non-paternity, and for research.
0 kommentar(er)
