DNA tracing has been a helpful way of identifying an unknown person. As a matter of fact, this advantage is being used in forensic investigations which will completely recognize the identity of an individual when being logged in the database. However, this brings about risk in the privacy and confidentiality of an individual. Therefore, DNA database should not be used for commercial purposes.
A DNA profile,which is stored in database, is not only used to identify a single individual, but it also allows to track close relatives using the information which can be located in a single DNA sample. Unfortunately, there are still no laws and regulations in the international scene which will protect the rights of the individuals regarding the access of the detailed information. As such, the disclosure of DNA information can be crucial for the safety and security of these individuals (Gene Watch).
The possible mishandling of the information will result to spreading of confidential information. DNA profiles are currently stored in a database. When a DNA profile is not useful anymore for any commercial activity, it is not yet removed immediately. According to Wallace (S28), some profiles last up to five years before being completely removed. Furthermore, the responsible handlers of information are not assured to be of safety at all times. As such, it is a high risk that other individuals can access the information without consent, and makes the information owner unaware of the situation (Wallace S28).
DNA sampling is not perfectly accurate method of determining an individual’s identity. DNA samples can be found everywhere, and during times of unfortunate events, such as crimes, the DNA of the guilty and the innocent are already mixed with one another (Genewatch). Therefore, there are possibilities that the innocent might be accused because of the presence of his DNA. The guilty will be covered, and the innocent will suffer.
The public will become reluctant to cooperate due to the cases of accusations of the innocent people. In connection with the previous claim, people will tend to lose trust to the different proceedings which include DNA sampling. The misjudgement of the authorities will most likely contribute to the wrong delivery of justice, and these cases are prominent in the current society (Wallace, Jackson, Gruber, & Thibedeau 59). As a result, the public will become reluctant to the results of the DNA testing, and because the DNA database has no means to separate the profiles of the innocent and the guilty (Wallace, Jackson, Gruber, & Thibedeau 62), the innocent people might be apprehended of the things they did not commit.
However, despite these dangers, DNA database has been helpful in the modern era, particularly in improving the justice system of the world, as well as in the advancement of medical technology (Rosen 43). More criminals have been apprehended ever since, and diseases have been detected easier than the previous methods. However, the database of the DNA profile is universal, as there are linkages which connect the several database of different regions. This will enable other people, such as those in the private companies, to access the database. Moreover, there are existing transcations in which large companies actually bought the database, and as a result, these people have technically ‘owned’ the profile of the different individuals (Rosen 48). Such scenario is scary to the point of leaking the information which are supposed to be hidden and secured by their rightful owners.
The use of DNA database for commercial purposes poses a high risk for security and privacy of the individuals. Such risks include mishandling of the database, wrong identification, and the loss of public trust. Despite the benefits, the huge network of DNA database all over the world proved to be dangerous for the whole population. Unless the international justice will do something about the gathering DNA profiles without consent, leakage of confidential information will be possible at all times.
Works Cited
Gene Watch. “DNA Databases and Human Rights.” Genewatch UK Briefing (2011). Print.
Rosen, Christine. “Liberty, Privacy, and DNA Database.” The New Atlantis 1 (2003): 37-52
Wallace, Helen. “The UK National DNA Database: Balancing crime detection, human rights and privacy.” EMBO Reports 7 (2006): S26-S30. Print.
Wallace, Helen, Jackson, A., Gruber, J., and Thibedeau, A. “Forensic DNA databases–Ethical and legal standards: A global review.” Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences 4.3 (2014): 57-63. Print.
