Should governments create a DNA database of all citizens?
Of course
This is a very simple, painless thing to do. If people refuse to give their fingerprints, chances are they have something to hide. Even if they disagree with the morality of it, it still wouldn't do them any harm to have their prints in a system. Everyone's finger and toe prints are recorded when they are first born, which is completely against their will (they have no idea what is happening) so why is it so hard to give them again? Also, why can't the baby-print cards be put into a system right then and there so that they would be available? Could definitely help with identification of missing persons or jane/john does
Posted by: AnonymousIt makes sense.
The only reason I can see for being against this is if you have something to hide, it would be marvelous if the police had the power to check a database of every persons DNA against every crime scene. This goes for fingerprints as well really, if you are against, what do you have to hide?
Posted by: AnonymousIf you have nothing to hide, then you should not mind
I believe that it is as logical as keeping fingerprints on file. It makes solving crimes easier, finding missing persons easier, is a really good safe check in cases of abducted children. Really, it should be required just like birth certificates and social security numbers, to work, go to school, file taxes, apply for benefits, get a driver license, or vote, or go into the military.
Posted by: AnonymousYes
If you are not a criminal, then your DNA will never have to be used by a government worker. As long as you are not involved in any activities that would need your DNA then it shouldn't matter. If you are worried about a government worker abusing the database then you have to be hiding something.
Posted by: Anonymousa database of the entire population would be invaluable in identifying criminals.
with a database of this proportion the time/money saved searching for unidentified criminals would be cut to be almost non-existent. Not to mention the fact that criminals such as rapists/murderers would be off our street. To claim that it is a breech of privacy seems to imply that you have something to hide!!!!
Posted by: AnonymousI think that governments should start a DNA database of all citizens.
I think that governments should start a DNA database of all citizens by taking samples at birth, taking samples of people in the government jobs or taking samples of people in the prison system. While this is a little to much ?big brother?, I think the time has come to begin systematically collecting DNA samples. These samples could be used for much more than identification and could be useful in the future. By taking the samples at birth, it takes a bit of the personalization out of the process.
Posted by: SilverMathiMake a safer community
I think that all of society in the UK should have there DNA recorded. People say that "No-one would be innocent" I think this is wrong because surely more people would be innocent due to the fact that the police have instant access to the criminals DNA so less people would become suspects. Also if you have done nothing wrong then you have nothing to fear!
Posted by: AnonymousExpenditures are limited when DNA is databased.
If the DNA databases would be filled, then the expenditures taken to solve a crime are limited. Police don't have to research and research in order to get to the murderer or anything. The police just check the DNA database and solve it in an easier and less time/money consuming way.
Posted by: AnonymousOf course...
I agree 100% with the anonymous post that said this would result in a drop in unsolved crimes such as rape and murder...no doubt.
I also agree with everybody else that clicked "yes".
We would definitely have a better chance in solving crimes and putting criminals behind bars.
Sunny.girlPosted by: sunny.girlEffective way to prevent crime.
A DNA sample should be taken of each citizen at birth and put into a national database accessible to all criminal investigative agencies (and ONLY those agencies, for those worried about privacy issues, I'm not one of them -- I don't think your DNA is any more private than your fingerprints or photo). Then everyone as they grow up should be told that their DNA is on file and it's virtually impossible not to leave some physical evidence of your presence at a crime scene, especially when violence is used. Many would-be criminals would think twice before harming another, knowing they are virtually certain to be caught. And those who commit criminal acts anyway are much more likely to be quickly identified and apprehended before they can to it again to another. The benefits far outweigh the costs in my view.
Posted by: AnonymousIf you are not a criminal, you have nothing to loose
It will help with expedite cases and convictions. It also faces the debate of how much of your rights are you willing to give up for your security. Some people appreciates their right and are not willing to give more power to the government over them. Other people doesn't care what needs to give up in order to feel safe.
Posted by: Anonymousits would out number the problems we would face without an expansion of a NDNAD
Helps find suspects more effectively; DNA databases would not be as biased if all citizens are included; prevents discriminations if the whole population are included as when or if DNA examinations go wrong, instead of false accusations from occurring (mainly towards ex-criminals or people who suffer from mental illness) the analysis would 100% be more likely to be precise than before; even if there are more complications in finding the suspect from a LARGE database and from countless DNA's from a scene, DNA profiling would at least help narrow down a search; violation of individual rights? Surveillance cameras? Identity revealing?...Would be kept private (confidential), even you wouldn't need to know!
Posted by: AnonymousOf course it's needed... we can't just pretend we don't need it...
Over 80% of Americans agree that the government should not have a databank of all U.S. citizens DNA. They have mediocre and childish reasons for saying so. Mostly it infringes upon our privacy or the government will abuse their authority.
I say this is childish because the only reason they would need to use it is if there was a crime of sorts going on and they needed to check DNA of something they found. It’s not as if the government could just go through the database and do something illegal. All the database would show is if you were involved in a crime or not.
Having the database reach out to all people would help with keeping peoples identities safe and it would help them to catch criminals without harming others emotionally in the process. It would help keep identities safe because there could be DNA testing for all the people and they would be able to figure out there was somebody using another person’s identity for their own interest. If there was said database it would prove that someone was innocent without making them scared and there would be a lot less people in prison that didn’t belong and less criminals lurking around cities.
These are my reasons and although many will disagree, it only shows how many Americans are afraid that if they plan on having to defend themselves from a crime they won’t be able to because of the fact that their DNA would already be in the database. The idea is great; it just needs to be approved by the government before we should even begin to complain about itPosted by: AnonymousYes, absolutely.
If every person is in the data base and someone gets murdered, they can find the killer much easier than the way it is now. How many lives would be saved? One serial killer on the streets is too many. How many more children need to die by the hands of those vultures. If we had a DNA database we could catch these maniacs quicker.
Posted by: AnonymousWhy hasn't it been done yet?!
This could potentially deter citizens from committing a crime, knowing that the government already has your DNA sample. This would also make things more simple for investigators and potential suspects. Instead of throwing your business out there during an interrogation. DNA doesn't LIE! People commented about cloning and framing: if you are smart enough to do that, you have got to be smart enough to NOT do it.
Posted by: AnonymousIt would make the world safer
It may seem intrusive, but if it is kept top secret and is only used for crime investigation, it is practical. It would make crime investigation a lot easier and people would have less worries. Many times people aren't sure who is responsible for a crime and the wrong person is accused for the crime.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, why not?
If the governments create a DNA database of all citizens, it would give a proof of identity and could open the doors to something big. It would make things such as police investigations and traveling easier because they have the information for that person and can ensure they have the right person.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, I agree. Let's try and pass this!!
But how can we all get together to propose this great idea? I'm totally for this, Not only will it catch a ton of criminals, but it can also help identify people that are found and unidentified. I'm willing to sign a petition to do so; not sure if it would work but it's worth a shot.
Posted by: AnonymousI support a government having a citizen DNA database because it would be helpful in keeping track of identities.
Having all citizens' DNA on file would be serve many purposes. It would be a surefire means of identification, which in turn could serve as a deterrent for crime. It would be useful in complicated kidnapping or identity theft cases. Police agencies could positively identify any mutilated or decomposed remains, putting many unsolved mysteries to rest. The government already has a lot of our personal information, and with proper regulations, this could be a policy beneficial to society.
Posted by: GraysonTDuh, they should. remember, DNA is nothing more than a biological record of what you look like. that's like saying that you're uncomfortable with the government having your picture.
Okay, it's not an invasion of privacy. Dna can't convict you of a crime you didn't do. Everyone on the opposition side is complaining about how it will incriminate them. Well, it will only incriminate you if you do a crime. Otherwise, it will prove that you're innocent. Plus, mentioning big brother? Seriously? Big brother is when they're using our DNA to clone and exhibit control over us which, again, is ridiculous. They can control just as easily, if not easier, with a picture than with dna. Plus, if any of you sci-fi fans are afraid of cloning, is already been deemed unethical and illegal.
Posted by: AnonymousYes! How is this an invasion of privacy?
Your right to privacy isn't a factor when it comes to eliminating you as a suspect in a crime. They can get a warrant for DNA anyway. Plus, if anything, this would save money if you consider all the hours spent on potential criminal leads that may go nowhere. And you can always have your DNA retested against the crime scene if you don't trust the database. It's really to find a suspect quickly.
Posted by: AnonymousYes.
Crime fighting. Safer world. Its that simple.
The average serial killer gets 5 freebies, 5 victims before getting on the radar, this will cut their number to one...same with rapists....why should they get to devour innocents for their pleasure?
As the saying goes, a rapist gets 4-6 years, the victim gets life.Posted by: AnonymousWe should let them
We should let them because they will be able to track the criminals by using only the DNA from the database and the crime scene. It will also help us find long lost relatives and help people who have a very bad case of amesia. Besides, what are you worrying about, it won't sting at all. All they would need is a hair or some spit.
Posted by: AnonymousAbsolutely!
I agree with this because how many cold cases have accumulated over the years? How many people have been placed behind bars for inadequate DNA testing? By utilizing such a database, EXACTLY like the fingerprint database already in use, our protective agencies (FBI, BCI, DEA,etc.) could have a significant postive effect on the rate of crime. How about missing persons as well? Children age and they dont always look the same at 20 as they did at 3. Furthermore, honestly, what are hackers going to do with such information... clone us? Doubtful. And how is the government gaining more power? Oh they know my DNA, big whoop.
Posted by: AnonymousYes
As with anything, there is always a chance that the DNA database could be misused. But we always must develop policies and procedures that address the majority not the minority situation and as such given that the positive uses far outweighs any negative, it is a risk we just have to take! Reduced time to solve crimes enabling police forces to focus more on prevention and reduced incarceration of innocent people should spur us to quickly move forward. Fear of big brother is simply just paranoid and a way of the past. Get over it and do the right thing!
Posted by: AnonymousI don't see why not
The main argument against DNA databases is that they are somehow is a violation of privacy. This simply is not a valid argument. Which private details of your life are being exposed or exploited by a DNA bank? None. If there was a national DNA database (or even better, DNA and fingerprints) it would solve a massive number of unsolved cases, and it would curb crime in the future because it would be easier to get caught. So ask yourself which is more important to you: your warped idea of "privacy" or the countless innocent victims of crimes in the past and in the future.
Posted by: AnonymousAs a criminal justice major, I fully support this idea.
I found this poll while looking for a few good sources for a research paper for an english class. We were allowed to pick a "big idea" that isn't yet in place or produced yet. Mine, as a criminal justice major and the only one in the class, was that DNA samples should be required of every US citizen currently, all babies born from here on out and anyone looking to obtain a travel visa or work visa for the U.S. Though it would be nice if other countries adopted the system, starting with a national database would be an amazing stride towards making the crime solving process much faster. I would have absolutely not problem submitting my DNA and all of my children's. It seems like a violation of privacy to some, until someone rapes you or kills someone you love and the authorities have to start from scratch to track them down. This same concept would also help avoid innocent people being wrongfully convicted and sent to prison later to be cleared BY DNA EVIDENCE.
Posted by: Awww4933A centralized DNA repository allows us the opportunity for curing disease through research.
Having a centralized database of DNA is a practical idea. Doing so will allow researchers access to an infinite possibility of genetic permutations in the quest for disease and disorder prevention and correction. It will not, contrary to popular belief, give the government the ability to mass clone its citizens, as that technology is under-developed and implausible.
Posted by: LivingRoosevelt78It could help keep our country more secure.
It could help keep our country more secure. If everyone's DNA is in the system then it would be easier to acquire to samples for any case that may arise. It could also help with missing persons cases greatly. If trace evidence is found but there is no control to compare it to then it does no good.
Posted by: AnonymousGovernments should create a DNA database of all citizens because it will help law enforcement agencies.
It will lower crimes and not only that, identify every individuals psychological profile and what drugs they are taking in order to maintain their normal way of life. It will also help combat against terrorism, drug trades an potential psychopathic serial killers. This is our only option to help maintain and secure our society.
Posted by: AnonymousWhat do you have to hide?
Right to privacy? Sure, what privacy is being taken away? Just because they have you're DNA does not mean that they will stalk you, or rampage into your house. They ALREADY HAVE YOUR DNA. Finger prints, toeprints when you're born. Its painless and saves time. Question is are you hiding something?
Posted by: AnonymousIt would help the entire country.
With a database of every person's DNA it would make it much easier to apprehend perpetrators. It wouldn't be nearly as hard to discover suspects, you just compare the DNA and after a search of the database, bam, there's your prime suspect. All those unsolved cases where the only evidence was DNA but there were no suspects; no longer a problem. In the long run it would be very helpful.
Posted by: AnonymousDuh
This needs to go into effect it can do so much more good than bad. The potential of the database is huge and can be put to amazing use. The amount of criminals we could find far out ways the negatives and is much more of a good thing that not.
Posted by: Anonymouswhy not?
I've got nothing to hide. Maybe Obama can write a bill that states if you don't submit to a DNA sample, you will be "Taxed" not "Fined" then it would pass through the supreme court and be legitimate. You know, like the health care bill that was rammed down American't throats?
Posted by: cradlefanIt can't hurt.
Obviously, even in the case of hackers or DNA mishaps in documentation, there would be ways around it, they would need to have more proof in crimes. Also, fingerprints are not saved by the government from infancy to prove crimes. I would be fine with my DNA being documented because I am not a criminal.
Posted by: AnonymousYES!
Everyone here who is saying no is probably a criminal themselves and they don't want to be caught when they commit a crime! How do you think it's a violation of privacy? This is for our own benefit not the governments! It is their duty to protect us to some degree and this will help them and us get there!
Posted by: katia198The government should create a DNA database of all citizens, because it would be an invaluable identification tool.
The government should create a DNA database of all citizens, because it is an invaluable identification tool. Victims of accidents or natural disasters could be easily identified. Criminals could be easily identified, making their capture much more likely. Without a DNA database, a criminal can easily move to another location, change their appearance and take on a new identity. A national DNA database would eliminate that possibility.
Posted by: JamieMIt minimises the reliance on otherwise debatable statistics
DNA profiling is only effective as the statistics that support the weight of a DNA profile in the context of a case. By keeping a db of all known persons in a country, the debate around 'What if a profile does match another different known individual?' can be closed. If it is then found that there are multiple reference index hits, the technologies can be adjusted accordingly to include more loci to eliminate those hits. Scientifically, the more profiles a database has, the better - this allows for good science to be practised and for better statements to be made regarding the origin of a sample.
Posted by: davidswanepoelIt's needed, yet shouldn't be abused
The government would be better off getting DNA for a database for all US citizens, criminals, and deportees. It wouldn't be painful, maybe a hair, and would be analyzed and secured. For those that think that people could hack into it, while a good theory, the database could be secured not only by the government, but also by the hackers. A hacker caught by the government could receive this: a protection so secure that only people with the password could enter, for shortening their sentence. This is my opinion, and like it or not, please reflect on it. KnowItAllToSurvive.
Posted by: KnowItAllToSurviveIncrease of accuracy
When more samples are added to a database it increases the probability to which one can match genetic profiles to the exclusion of others, therefore by adding more samples to the database the validity of DNA profiling becomes more accurate and less likely to incriminate someone falsely.
Also the analysis of DNA is one of the most likely reasons for someone who has been falsely convicted to be exonerated, there have been many people who have lost years of their lives due to faulty eye witness accounts, or the use of other forensic evidence that was far less reliable and many more factors. Having a DNA database would actually severely increase the likelihood of the average person retaining their freedom if they had indeed not committed a crime.
Another bright side to support the argument that databases should be expanded is that DNA analysis is the leading reason for expansion in the forensic industry which would create a great deal of job opportunities and initiatives for citizens to pursue higher education in the field of forensic or pathological analysis.Posted by: AnonymousAlthough it may not be constitutionally or morally right, creating a DNA database of all citizens of the U.S. would be helpful more than harmful. Crimes would be easier to solve, and it would also help with healthcare.
DNA tests solve crimes everyday, even crimes from many years ago. DNA testing still has a long way to go, but my supporting evidence is all of the DNA tests have solved crimes and saved peoples lives.
Posted by: 5hiy4AntonAll for it!
Seriously, this is a fantastic idea. The only ones worried about "invasion of privacy" are ones who have something to hide. I don't understand why anyone would be against this, its such a great idea. There would be less cold cases out there and less wrongfully accused people...I'm all for it. Invade my privacy!!!!
Posted by: dsamIt would be helpful.
Quite clearly, there are number of cases that have taken many years to solve but if everybody had their dna known, the trace evidence found would be much easier to link towards a suspect. Also, governments would respect individual rights, they wouldn't just casually hand out this piece of information like it was an invitation to a birthday party. This is safe and easy to use, it would be helpful to all the people who have lost someone.
Posted by: Anonymousabsolutely!
This would result in a drop in unsolved crimes such as rape and murder.
Posted by: AnonymousA DNA database would not harm the law abiding citizen and would make catching criminals easier.
A DNA database would just be another system that would help our law enforcement agencies catch and prosecute criminals quicker and more cost effectively. Fingerprints are an acceptable way to identify people and most people have their fingerprints on file somewhere, so DNA would just be another way to do the same thing that fingerprints do.
Posted by: babydoll93You can't lose.
With DNA fingerprinting there are so many more things to gain from it than to lose from it. People say that DNA is the most private thing you could have, I believe otherwise. What would a thief do with your DNA, look at it and laugh at your blood type? No the only thing I can think of is for the government to use the DNA to capture criminals and find missing people. Others believe that it is not right for the police to not need to ask for a DNA sample, but if you did not commit the crime then you would not need to worry about them having your DNA on file.
Posted by: AnonymousWe can solve more crimes!
If the databases have all citizens' DNA, then we could be safer by putting more criminals away so they won't attack and hurt again! Come on, guys, this can lead to a more highly advanced way to get thugs off the street, get the good people out of jail and the bad in jail by only using DNA! It can't lie!
Posted by: AnonymousThey will never use your DNA
If you are not a criminal, then your DNA will never have to be used by a government worker. As long as you are not invloved in any activities that would need your DNA then it shouldn't matter. If you are worried about a government worker abusing th database then you have to be hiding something.
Posted by: AnonymousYes they should
If everyone was to have their DNA on file since they were born there are many advantages like doctors can see if you would be prone to any diseases later in life and find a suitable organ/blood donor if necessary. Also if you were in an accident and developed amnesia doctors could take some DNA, be able to find a match on file and would be able to trace your family. Criminals could be easily caught and there would be no risk of putting an innocent person in jail. Yes there would be some bad points of having a DNA database but I believe that overall it would be a good thing.
Posted by: AnonymousI don't see why not.
Like a previous poster said, there's no point in not having the DNA on file unless you're hiding from something. Even if the DNA is in the bank, this does not mean your DNA will be researched or exploited - in fact, the DNA could be used for genetic disorders for research, which will only end up benefitting future and current generations.
Posted by: CrysateYes
With a DNA database on all citizens in the country, not only will criminals would be found easy, John/Jane Doe's would also be found much easier. Also, people who say it's morally wrong have their right to, but it does not hurt. DNA of anything living in this world, human or non-human can be obtained with no injury at all. Also, keeping the DNA datebase could also help in finding who is and is not legal in the country (except for tourist of course). As for people who worry about hackers, although there are people who can hack into "any" computer, the system can be made to have an extremely powerful firewall, anti-virus, and hack-prevention software to protect all records in the database.
Posted by: Anonymous
I oppose a DNA database, because it violates a person privacy.
I oppose the government creating a DNA database because it is a violation of an individual's rights. A DNA database will give the government the authorization to use our DNA however they want to. Delicate information like this could always get in the wrong hands. Also, what other top secret research or experiments would the government be conducting on our DNA?
Posted by: RaouICyberAn expansion of Tyranny and Slavery
NO!!!!! It was not that long ago that the same tactic was applied to collect DNA required by law to be taken from only sex offenders. Then violent offenders, then all offenders, despite concerns of invasion of privacy, ect.The Civil Commitment mandates are an example of steps in this direction. Where people may be imprisoned not upon any actual act crime, but upon an " authority's" idea of the likelihood to commit a crime. While it applies only to sex offenders at first because nobody likes them, once the practice is established and the bugs worked out it will be applied to all. The steady progress of tyranny has always been advanced under such pretended goals of safety, security, and fixing problems
Posted by: AnonymousThis could go straight down the crapper.
My personal opinion is that it could have more bad effect then it could good. Imagine this, if the government kept a database of DNA of all the citizens in the United States wouldn't that leave it open for all to see? Employers wouldn't hire you for specific traits you have in your family, you wouldn't be able to get healthcare if you had cancer and needed money for your family to receive when you pass away, they won't have any saved up because you wouldn't have a job to begin with. More or less it's like singling out the people with bad traits, sounds a little familiar to a similar plan composed by someone known as Adolf Hitler, if you ask me. It's not morale. -Taylor
Posted by: AnonymousEver hear of Hackers?
NO Way!!! There are s many ways that this could go wrong.Over in Europe they are having a similar debate on if they should delete the database of DNA profiles of innocent non convicted ppl. Wt if some computer wiz breaks through all the fire walls and not only steals your DNA profile but now they can sell it or frame you. At some point even the real locked up samples are at risk because somewhere it is a computer, where and who these belong too and with cloning in the air what happens when someone decides to go take them. I am sure they are not locked tight like a military base they are chilling in some lonley warehouse somewhere.
Posted by: AnonymousI do not support the government having a DNA database because
this rediculose idea clearly opens up all doors for people in court systems to lie and cheet using the government data base. what if somone smoked apon a doobie and there DNA was opon the doobie could the government then check the DNA system to find out who toked apon this doobie.
Posted by: AnonymousGovernment has no business creating a DNA database
The government should not be tracking every single individual. It is none of their business where citizens go or what they do as long as people don't break the law. The government is only suppose to "provide for the common defense, [and] promote the general welfare..." not trace the steps of every individual. The government already has enough power as it is.
Posted by: kaylie.lynnIm doing a report on this
After doing research I have discovered that DNA databases are not safe, too complex, and invade US citizens privacy.
The danger in a DNA database is that although it helps catch more criminals, it has been scientifically proven that DNA can slowly change over an average humans lifespan. It is close to impossible to replicate ones DNA. If a scientist does it wrong then other innocent people could get convicted for a crime they never committed.
Having a DNA database would be very complex and would cost the government lots of money. DNA sample contaminations have been well documented. It involves statistical calculations and extremely careful handling to avoid error. Also employers could single out people with specific traits or religious beliefs. That would lower our countries jobs. We have many crimes that have been solved before, why do we need a DNA database to solve it now?
"It invades our space" said a New York Times reporter. Why are we putting innocent people's DNA in custody of the government? This election season a group of computer whizes watches as groups of people tried to add and subtract votes from both parties. My point is that people will hack into the computer systems and change and/or switch peoples DNA. DNA samples can be sold and used to convict other citizens. Why would we take such a big risk on something we are completely accurate about?Posted by: trinityhobdeyI oppose the government having a DNA database, because it seems intrusive.
I think the government having a DNA database of all citizens would be intrusive. I know the government already has a lot of personal information on all citizens, but DNA is usually used to catch criminals. The idea of my DNA being in a database seems like I'd be losing privacy, and that would make me feel like a criminal. I do not think a DNA database is necessary.
Posted by: BashfulEmil60No government should create a database without individual approval.
There is no circumstance that dictates a government should create a database of DNA of citizens, especially without individual consent. The database of DNA serves no purpose other than to invade of yet another privacy, and opens new avenues for abuse of authority by government. The only positive feature of such a database would be applicable in cases of criminals that are habitual sexual predators.
Posted by: ThegaXenI oppose government DNA databases, as they greatly imperil individual privacy rights.
Nothing can be more private to a person than their genetic code, in the form of DNA. It contains the blueprints that can spell out a wealth of personal health information that most people would want private. Having their DNA available in a large database creates a risk of other people or organizations gaining access to it, and possibly discriminating on the basis of information found there. No system is perfect, and abuses of such a database would be inevitable at some point.
Posted by: GLawrenceNo, it invades privacy.
DNA contains personal information that can't be found in fingerprinting. That's too much information to give the government; who knows what they'll search and who could find it? Employers can get that information. It would be a direct violation of the Fourth Amendment. Having a sample of every citizen's DNA would be crossing the line, especially with innocent citizens'. Innocent until proven guilty.
Posted by: AnonymousDo we trust our government?
Even if you trust the government at this very moment, who knows what it will be like in 20 or so years? This information may be misused in their interest (sold for their profit, used to fabricate crimes etc.). We should not compromise our freedoms. Once one freedom falls, another is next in line.
Posted by: AnonymousNO DNA PROFILING
Personal Opinion: I believe that having a national DNA database has too many problems and could possibly go wrong. I feel that the database should be confined to criminals and the missing, not for citizens. There is too much of a security risk, and DNA information is way too valuable to be in the hands of the government. Instead, people should have the right to keep their personal information hidden unless they have been arrested, or prosecuted of a crime. There could be a chance in which CODIS could be hacked and all this information leaked. This means that criminals could begin impersonating people for crimes. DNA data banking is not at all cheap and the money comes from the taxes citizen’s pay. I feel that DNA data banking should only be a requirement for the convicted, arrested, and missing.
Posted by: AnonymousOne of Many Reasons...
Is there an organization within the United States government that is made of robots? No. Therefore, humans would be running the control of the DNA database. When humans run things, corruption, disorganization, and mistakes happen. For that reason, I would not trust any person in this entire universe to have my DNA on file as a law abiding citizen.
Posted by: AnonymousGovernments should not create DNA databases of their citizens because it is costly, violates privacy, and is open for abuse.
Governments absolutely should not create DNA databases of their citizens. First of all, it is an invasion of privacy. Secondly, gathering the data and maintaining the databases would be very costly, and there are much better places for governments to be spending money. Lastly, and most importantly, such a database would be wide open for abuse. If it exists, someone will find a way to either hack into it or bribe an official for access. This data could be used and abused in a wide variety of ways. The very limited benefits of such a database, which would be in a small percentage of criminal investigations, are far outweighed by these negatives.
Posted by: P4cBranGovernments have no right to create a DNA database of citizens, especially in the United States.
The only reason that a government could truly have for wanting to create this database would be to control its citizenry. This would not be constitutional in the United States. Any good that might come from such a database would be negated by the negative uses that the government could put it to.
Posted by: Myh3r0HiIarReplicated DNA could convict you of something you didn't do.
Who would have thought that Holograms or 3D printers would ever be reality? Science and technology are developing faster than we can keep track of. I'm sure some lab, somewhere, in some country, is experimenting with stripping a DNA chain clean, and replicating another chain in its' place. Remember the old saying..If you can think it, someone will eventually do it. So you replicate someone's DNA from the file, and 'find' it wherever you want to have a person be. Conviction by DNA. If my DNA is found at a crime scene in NYC, and I live in LA, and have never been to NYC, I could be convicted by DNA evidence. Your DNA is practically everywhere already. How many envelopes have you licked to seal? Your DNA is there. Think about it. Almost negates a DNA conviction based on that alone.
Posted by: AnonymousGovernments should not possess such information about citizens because that infringes on privacy rights.
A governmental DNA database of a country's citizens would be a major loss of privacy for individuals. Furthermore, to what purpose would they use the DNA information they had collected? I can see no reason why a government should own that information or what good they could do by owning such information, but it is easy to think of ways in which that powerful knowledge could be abused.
Posted by: Wynn354I think this could be dangerous if it gets into the wrong hands
I don't think that the goverment having a DNA thatabase of all citizens is a good idea because if large chunks of information gets into the wrong hands. You might get lots more criminals faking identities, using other peoples identities as their own or people being wrongly accused of crimes.
Posted by: AnonymousThe government should NOT create a DNA database of all citizens because it is not cost effective.
The United States government has a multitude of problems and debt without taking on new ventures. Starting a DNA database of all citizens would not only be a violation of privacy, but it would take years to accomplish and would probably cost billions of dollars. Government officials would also have to decide if this database should be limited to citizens when there is such a large population of illegal immigrants also residing in the country.
Posted by: MainBenoh NO!!! this is insane
NO, im not a criminal but I do believe in privacy. I believe that we are already registered in the system with social security numbers, foot and fingerprints when we are born, dont forget about our blood type. i think this is enough. this would be insane on people that are not criminals. the U.S is already in debt and all this would do is raise people taxes and make people angry.
Posted by: jennymacno
It is invasion of privacy and the government should fear us not us fearing them. It would also cost too much money to do. We are already far enough in debt with china. People's IQ would show up and nobody should know that but yourself. The goverment should leave it at that.
Posted by: AnonymousFREEDOM cannot exist without PRIVACY and the assumption of innocence.
The 4th Amendment guarantees privacy of your PERSON, What is more PERSONAL than your DNA? History shows than any power granted will be abused. We don't even know the limits of this data. Do you want to end up cloned for spare parts someday? The foolish 50% who believe governments or corporations can ever be trusted not to abuse power ceded to them or ever respect such trivial things as Human Rights or The Bill of Rights are dragging us all down a swift path to hell on earth and global neo feudalism.
Posted by: AnonymousThe government does not have the authority to.
It's bad enough that people are stupid enough to ask for a government inventory control number (Social[ist] Security number). The government does not have any constitutional authority to have keep any sort of records on citizens in the first place. So now once he government has your DNA on file that information can be used to manufacture evidence to make you look guilty of anything. ( http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/post.cfm?id=lab-creates-fake-dna-evidence-2009-08-18 ) In case you did not believe it was possible.
Posted by: Freedom1ManA DNA database is about as personally invasive an idea and opposed to the whole concept of democracy as anything ever proposed.
This is the type of thing that would occur in a totalitarian nation, one where the government has total control over every aspect of a person's life. A DNA database would serve no purpose other than the ability to track and identify everyone, criminals and the innocent alike. If people want DNA testing for medical reasons, then fine, do that. But never should someone be required to have their DNA in a government database if they aren't a criminal.
Posted by: 54IInfernoIt will cause discrimination
People can see if someone is having diseases in future from their DNA, if our DNA is in databases, there will be a discrimination on DNA which will not let people who do not have good DNA to lose their job. You can not find job, you can not buy insurance. Is that the life you want?
Posted by: AnonymousI do not think that the government should have a citizen DNA database, I do not believe they'd use it for any good.
The security measures governments take to protect citizens tend to turn into ways to oppress them and a DNA database is no different. While I don't think that governments are all evil, the ones that exist now are not adequately kept in check by the citizens. Governments are supposed to fear the people not the other way around, but this is currently the world we live in. Although DNA would allow for better criminal prosecution, and could help in the medical field, they can also be used to keep a record of human activities and that violates our privacy.
Posted by: XglossyWyndI oppose the government having a DNA database for citizens, because it intrudes on people's right to privacy.
For people to be subjected to giving DNA to a national database, it infringes on everyone's rights. It gives the government more information than they need on individual citizens. There is no reason for such a database. It gives no benefit to society, and alternatively can cause detriment. It would be possible for the government to track innocent people, and may cause possible future problems for citizens.
Posted by: elegylifeNo Thanks!
My personal opinion is that I believe that a person’s DNA sample in a government database is unnecessary because I believe it is an invasion of privacy. I am concerned that the government can use DNA samples for purposes other than solving crimes. DNA contains very personal information that could accidentally be given to other people.
Posted by: AnonymousLarge amounts of DNA available to the public would be a disaster.
DNA is protected under the 4th amendment rights as private property, and taking DNA from a person forcefully would result in a violation of privacy. Taking DNA by government action “is inconsistent with a society that values freedom and individual rights, not to mention the presumption of innocence.” (“Letters”) With the right to bear arms and freedom of speech, DNA is protected under the constitution, and therefore, if the government wishes to create a national DNA database, it would have to not just infringe on the rights of the nation, but also contradict the beliefs it has stood for for so long. Twenty states now ask for DNA samples from people who are arrested and not just convicted, raising the question at where the line is drawn for forcing someone to give up their DNA. (Berson, Sarah B.) To draw the line at the taking of DNA forcefully from people would be like drawing the line on how far the right to bear arms extends, something nobody has ever agreed upon. DNA is as controversial topic just like abortion or owning assault rifles, and for the government to get enough people on board to start a national DNA database would be a miracle in itself and also be a complete disregard for the constitutional rights of the nation.
A small version of the database is already in place for criminals and volunteers who submitted their DNA, but it is the size of a planet compared to the universe when compared to the previously proposed national DNA database. The United Kingdom already has a National DNA Database in place, the NDNAD, which stores the DNA from crime scenes, police suspects, or anybody held by the police. In the United Kingdom, “Professor Stephen Bain, a member of the NDNAD strategy board, warned expansion would be expensive and make mistakes [in DNA comparison] more likely.” (Lipscombe, Sarah) DNA is recorded in a database by recording a very small number of selected alleles that could be tested later to decrease the amount of memory each DNA sample requires on the server. Rapid expansion of this process would mean either decreasing the amount of recorded alleles to free up server space, which would decrease the accuracy of each future comparison to the DNA sample, or by spending an indeterminable size of money allocating memory for possible storage of DNA. Secondly, to get the testing equipment and the manpower to increase the database to handle all of the masses would be exponentially more money than just buying more memory on a server. Instigating this national DNA database system in America “all at once would be prohibitively expensive today, even if we had the laboratory capacity to do it.”( Kaye, D.H., and Michael Smith) The astronomical costs of even beginning this database could sink the United States into a significant amount of debt.Posted by: AnonymousYou can't take back your DNA.
Once the government has your DNA, they may be able to use it in ways that invade personal privacy. Although right now we are still unsure of how much information a person's DNA can unlock, it is better to be safe than sorry. And if we're worried about murderers and rapists, do the world a favor and choose not to stab people (whether with knives or dicks). It's that simple.
Posted by: Anonymousoh NO!!! this will be insane
No, I am not a criminal and I have been working in the criminal justice field for 15 years. to have a DNA on everyone that is not a criminal will be out of the question. we are already registered under social security and that is enough. If people dont like it, they can move to another country with those types of rules. and if you do your research on the countries that do thing in that way, they still have crimes and its still hard to catch the criminals. so bringing that to the U.S will do nothing but raise taxes and make people angry.
Posted by: AnonymousThe government should not create a DNA database of its citizens because it is too invasive.
The government should not create a DNA database of its citizens because it is too invasive. There is no legal right to privacy, but there is the right to not self-incriminate. A DNA database serves no purpose but to be able to catch and track criminals. Although criminals should be brought to justice, we don't force everyone to be fingerprinted.
Posted by: H0bi3InvaderNo they shouldn't.
Doing this has many ethical issues and also invades a persons privacy. When trying to solve a crime, DNA should only be used for that specific crime in the range of time needed.Once crime has been solved DNA should be destroyed and no longer kept in any kind of data base.
Posted by: AnonymousAre you insane?
One simple date is enough to explain my opposition, 1984. This idea of government controlling personal effects to the degree of your DNA is madness. Orwellian in character it sounds like a science fiction novel. Why treat everyone as a suspect? More importantly with the fact greed is a human condition, the opportunity for exploit is huge. Corrupt police giving the rich your personal details it could get to a stage were you may not be hired for a job as cancer runs in your family! Pure insanity I cry! - Wallace
Posted by: AnonymousDNA isn't Always Truthful.
When DNA is found at a scene, anyone whose DNA matches those are automatically questioned and maybe even arrested. Currently the government only has access to people that have done something to get their DNA in their database, (like a crime or even just applying for a government job) many innocent people who might have their DNA at the scene have avoided being brought into the whole crime. If DNA found at a crime scene is enough to convict someone of a crime, then innocent people shouldn't have their DNA in the database.
Posted by: AnonymousIt would be dangerous for our safety.
Personal Opinion: I believe that having a national DNA database has too many problems and could possible go wrong. I feel that the database should be confined to criminals and the missing, not for citizens. There is too much of a security risk, and DNA information is way too valuable to be in the hands of the government. Instead, people should have the right to keep their personal information hidden unless they have been arrested, or prosecuted of a crime. There could be a chance in which CODIS could be hacked and all this information leaked. This means that criminals could begin impersonating people for crimes. DNA data banking is not at all cheap and the money comes from the taxes citizen’s pay. I feel that DNA data banking should only be a requirement for the convicted, arrested, and missing.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, because history has shown that governments tend to abuse their authority when they can gather masses of arbitrary data about the population.
While a universal DNA database would be useful for criminal investigations, the potential for harm, and all manner of intrusive, unjust surveillance seems too high to justify the concept. The scandals of the last decade, involving arbitrary detentions of innocent people, wrongful placement of people on no-fly lists, extraordinary rendition of often-innocent people to torture sites in other countries, illegal surveillance of phone communications and many other abuses should remind us that, even when the government has a good purpose in mind, unchecked power and the deterioration of the concept of an individual's legitimate zone of privacy from the government set dangerous forces in motion. The point is not that people in authority generally have bad intentions, but that institutional pressures make abuses virtually inevitable. Furthermore, once law enforcement gets an authority, it tends to keep it. We ought to reject this proposal, as it's a slippery slope to a bad place.
Posted by: M4I4cFeIineA DNA database of all citizens could be too easily abused, and so should not be collected by any government.
Any government collecting all of its citizens' DNA is a step too far. Such information could be used for nefarious purposes, not only by the government, but also by any hackers or others who could possible gain such information. The government should only possibly collect DNA for soldiers, to identify remains, or convicted criminals, in order to easily identify them, in case of escape or a future crime.
Posted by: EminentBennett93I oppose to government creating a DNA data base for all citizens, I feel like that will be a gross invasion of rights.
Government does not need to have citizens DNA, I think that its an invasion of rights. I would feel very uncomfortable knowing that there is a DNA file of me somewhere. I don't even see what the purpose of having records of everyone on file. I sure the argument would be for crime, but we have been solving crime before DNA and we don't need a database to solve it now,
Posted by: C0ImEIiteI think that there should not be a Data Base because....
The government should not have access to that kind of imformation. I do not trust that the government would not abuse it to there own gain. Just like they do tax payer money. Plus there could be a similiarity incident along the way that could cause a false accusation.
Posted by: AnonymousThis would not be a good idea it would give the government too much power over the citizens.
I think the government already has their secrets and ways of controlling the American people. This would just give them so much more control. If they had everyone's DNA I would be a little suspicious of what could happen to my DNA and what they might decide to do with it if they wanted to.
Posted by: B3rkIffydna is private information
How would anyone know exactly who to trust people are not always what they appear as. It is a violation to one privacy. Many murders who kill know what there doing and they will find a way to clear there selves. Many have been accused and over the years are found to be innocent
Posted by: AnonymousGovernments should not be allowed to create a DNA database of all citizens because it is an intrusion on individual's privacy.
Although there may be some benefit to a DNA database of all citizens, the violation of privacy is too great to allow governments create one. I believe that in certain situations, such as individuals convicted of criminal acts, the storage of a DNA fingerprint would be important. Creating a database for all citizens seems unnecessary, costly, and a violation of an individual's right to privacy.
Posted by: 5h4n3GotWe already lost too many rights as it is.
Privacy and the 4th amendment might as well not exist anymore, but that doesn't mean I agree with that statement.
If you want my opinion the government should only have a few ways to track you anyway, if not none. DNA is not one of them. Once you pay a fine and do your time (assuming it's not permanent jail time) for a crime, it should be forgotten shortly after (only if it's really frequent should even worse punishments be considered). Everyone should still have rights regardless if someone is dangerous with them. There has to be a limit to how ridiculous safety precautions can get or eventually all we will be allowed to do is sit around and do nothing. They are rights, not privileges.
I'd like if us and the government could come to some agreement to how much rights/laws they can make/take away from us, with no possibility of it being changed. As you may know, without such a limit, we will eventually lose most or all imaginable rights.Posted by: Anonymous