Does DNA databasing uphold the privacy of citizens?
Yes, because there is nothing fundamentally wrong with creating a DNA database.
The American citizen is already recorded and classified by any number of characteristics and in hundreds of databases. So, the creation of one more does not truly reduce privacy in any substantive way. For example, each American already submits to having a social security number, a Medicare number, tax registries, credit scores, entry into address books, etc. The government is already responsible for keeping our vital statistics, tax records, criminal records, and numerous other personal data secure. So, the addition of DNA is no further burden upon the individual.
Posted by: 5h3rIsdeadDNA is something everyone has, so using information that it offers is valuable without concern for privacy.
While some have said that a government DNA database could be used for negative purposes and that people's right to privacy could be overthrown I don't believe this is the case. Having information about someone's genetic tendencies would only allow us to do good things as far as medical technology and the betterment of society is concerned. While the possibility of misuse of the information exists, I don't think it is a possibility that should be given much thought or concern. There is little value to information that relates to a potential breach in personal privacy in this DNA databasing, therefore it really is of no concern on privacy issues.
Posted by: MariaRDNA data basing is not a violation of a citizens privacy. DNA data basing is a necessary action for dealing with crime.
DNA databasing is not a violation of a citizens privacy. It is a necessary action for dealing with crime. You don't even have to worry about it invading your privacy unless you are involved in activities that result in your DNA being added to the database. DNA databasing is actually a good thing that is providing safety to the public by identifying who has committed crimes.
Posted by: TasticBranHaving a DNA or fingerprint database would compromise privacy in potentially the same way.
Having a fingerprint database can compromise privacy, but it is acceptable and useful to society. A DNA database would provide more information and therefore would be an even more accurate way to identify people for various reasons. DNA could also be used to track down family members that need to be found.
Posted by: babydoll93As long as the DNA records are not released to the public, privacy is still protected.
Since the public does not have access to the records or database, there is no real threat to privacy. If the government has access to it, it's really no big deal, since they already know who we are without this information. It is vital that databases be kept for criminals, in case they commit more crimes.
Posted by: R04chGrovAs long as the DNA database is safeguarded.
Having a DNA database makes as all safer as a society. As long as the database is not abused like what could happen if the health insurance industry gets it. They might use it to deny coverage or exclude certain diseases that a person might be predisposed to. With proper supervision, the database would be a great asset.
Posted by: ThebestKend
DNA databasing does not uphold the privacy of citizens because they should not be required to have their personal DNA obtained unless they have a record.
Requiring everyone to submit their DNA to a database is unnecessary and an invasion of privacy. It may allow officials to track down criminals more easily. However, not everyone is a criminal, and not everyone should be made to submit their DNA. If the government wants to dissuade everyone from becoming a criminal, they may as well put us all on leashes.
Posted by: ShowKiIIThis area has a huge potential for abuse, and privacy cannot be guaranteed.
Although the database is secure, the data may be used for research and other commercial interests. There are currently no laws in place to safeguard this area and, although the privacy may not be an issue with most DNA traits, if a son or a daughter can be created from a DNA database, this would be a huge invasion of privacy. There's no telling what things could crop up.
Posted by: DisillusionedGilberto67Even the most secure database is a data breach away from disaster.
Even if we completely trust the government to uphold the privacy of citizens' whose DNA is stored in DNA databases, it can't account for accidental or nefarious data breaches. Don't think it can't happen. Every month we hear about supposedly ultra-secure customer data falling into the hands of criminals either through carelessness, theft, or social engineering, even financial data.
Posted by: 54uIIanNothing could be more private and personal than DNA.
The use of a DNA database does not actually seem very scary right now, most countries are only able to use DNA as a mean of identification. However, storing this information without knowing what science might be able to achieve in decades from now is an unreasonable thing. Governments and policies might change and this DNA database be used for other purposes.
Posted by: WakefulTristan35Privacy trumps information hoarding.
Think about the information recently given away by the IRS during the latest scandal concerning applicants for tax exempt status. What ever good a DNA database might provide, the government can not be trusted to protect the privacy of citizens. The potential harm from having your DNA data given out to other government agencies, insurance companies or political enemies is frightening.
Posted by: AnonymousDNA databasing does not uphold the privacy of citizens, because it stores information that no one should have without explicit permission.
DNA databasing definitely violates the privacy of citizens. It is bad enough that our personal information is so widely accessible, but no one should have access to our genetic makeup.
Posted by: ToughEfrain26DNA data basing is an invasion of personal property and can be used for purposes other than those intended.
DNA databasing is an idea that has been proposed for several reasons. Linking criminal databases, body identification in the event of terror attacks such as 9/11 etc. But the insidious purposes are clear. DNA databases can be used to invade personal privacy and for purposes not intended.
Posted by: D3vyHighNo, DNA is a unique identifier that is immensely powerful.
DNA is a powerful tool that can be used for many things. I do not believe we want our government to have such perfect knowledge of our individuality. That will crush the individual. Yes, DNA is a great tool for law enforcement, but the all encompassing nature of identification by DNA will crush individuality, with a serious inhibition on individual expression. It is a tool that is too easily abused.
Posted by: R43ShepAs no database is fully secure, then great care needs to be taken with what is stored and where.
Although a DNA database would be useful for medical reasons and to an extent law enforcement, the truth is that such data would likely be abused. It thus should be restricted to the person and their medical professionals, and stored in computers not connected to the internet.
There is a very real risk, for example, that prospective employers may use genetic data, especially the risk of disease, against a job applicant. Health insurance premiums could also be affected.Posted by: C0urtIightDNA databasing of ordinary citizens does not uphold the privacy of citizens, because DNA sequencing may reveal medical conditions and genetic predispositions that should not be made available to the staff of these databases.
DNA databasing of ordinary citizens is an infringement upon privacy. Only those with criminal records involving violent crime should be included in a law enforcement database. Special military databases could be created to house the profile of those serving in the military, to ensure proper identification, should the need arise. However, to ensure the privacy of civilians, a civilian database should only contain the DNA of individuals who voluntarily submit their profile under full disclosure to the lab or agency housing the DNA. DNA sequencing can reveal a person's ethnic background, medical conditions and genetic predisposition to disease. These profiles could be easily accessed by insurance companies which, in turn, may refuse to issue health insurance coverage based on the information found in the DNA profile. Currently, we are seeing a decline in our rights to privacy, and the creation of a national DNA database would obliterate any privacy of our individual person.
Posted by: CarIoBIackenNo, because it's no different than maintaining a fingerprint database.
DNA is no more than "scientific fingerprinting". There has never been a problem with people's fingerprint cards being public. So why would there be a problem with people's DNA being public? Although I do know of examples where the police have used previously collected DNA from a suspect, and illegally put that DNA on evidence that they gathered at a crime scene the person was never at. Then they obtained an arrest warrant, and arrested an innocent man. He was subsequently sent to prison, but later released because it was proven the police lied.
Posted by: SlipArnalNo, DNA databasing does not uphold the privacy of citizens because innocent people's DNA should not be recorded; it could possibly be misused and blame could be put on innocent people.
No, DNA databasing does not uphold the privacy of citizens because innocent people who have done nothing wrong should not have to undergo DNA testing until they are suspected of doing something wrong. Why should anyone have access to this information on innocent people? This is an infringement on their rights because everyone is purported to be innocent UNTIL proven guilty. I feel this information could be misused by those who have it and innocent people could be wrongfully charged.
Posted by: MycCra2iiNo, DNA data basing does not uphold the privacy of citizens.
DNA databasing is actually an infringement upon personal privacy. Although it is called a "database," this does not connote privacy in any sense. Many individuals object against the government holding on to private health records or blood drawings. Many individuals have even requested that their kid's blood be returned. This is an unspoken issue in the mainstream media. It is wrong to me to store information without consent. Even with some people's consent, I object to the idea.
Posted by: D Callahan