Harm of a DNA Database?
Crime and Punishment August 18th, 2009I was recently thinking of reasons for objecting to blanket collection of DNA beyond just violation of “natural” rights. But a second good reason has just arrived: the possibility of forging DNA samples from samples in the database. This is news to me!
The scientists fabricated blood and saliva samples containing DNA from a person other than the donor of the blood and saliva. They also showed that if they had access to a DNA profile in a database, they could construct a sample of DNA to match that profile without obtaining any tissue from that person. The Times
So being on a database makes it easier to be framed for crimes. Nice.
AC1
Irrelevant footnote: The national health service causes TERROR??? (source: fox news – yeah right…)
August 26th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
There is a piece in the new scientist arguing for more openness for genetic data. The classic argument is used: “I have nothing to hide”. But it is a over generalization to assume that all people want to make this information available. Occasionally genetic information can have an impact on our personal relationships and social standing. If the vast majority of people share their data then those who withhold it are almost waving a flag saying “I have secrets”.
This is similar to putting post in envelopes even if it is unimportant. If we only enveloped important letters, they could be easily targeted.
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20327224.500-your-genome-isnt-that-precious–give-it-away.html
AC1