Should the government be allowed to build a DNA database?
By BubblyIan
@BubblyIan (750)
December 4, 2008 4:59pm CST
In UK every time the police investigate a crime, many people have their DNA taken. When the crime investigation has been completed, the DNA of the innocent people (mainly men) is stored and not destroyed.
In a leading case this week, the European Court of Human Rights has ruled against the UK Government and decided that this is a breach of the human rights of the innocent men on the database. All of the UK COurts supported the government, but thank goodness for the European Court of Human rights!
Do you believe it is a good idea for the government to store everyone's DNA? Or do you believe it is unfair and disproportionate and the risk of misuse is too great?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@zeethegr8 (785)
• India
5 Dec 08
Well DNA databases can backfire at the government. Most spies and special agents if caught on enemy territory or even friendly countries but in a restricted area then it might lead to a lot of problems between the countries.
This is concerning problems on a large scale. But I guess small scale application of the DNA database can be very effective in identifying individuals. But I would rather stick to the current method of License no. recognition and various other ID checks such as passport no. etc.
1 person likes this
@savypat (20216)
• United States
5 Dec 08
It's certainly a 2008 question. I guess there were the same objections to finger prints, now you have to get your done for a lot of jobs and licenses. It' just something you do and don't worry about. I think the DNA issue will be like this in say 5 or 10 years. You can't stop it.
