Abstract
Latest developments in DNA technologies and the DNA polymorphisms discovery have led to the formation of DNA databases for the purpose of forensic investigation. The aim of establishing forensic DNA databases was to assist the policeman with information on who might have been there at the crime scene, especially where the identity of those involved is unknown. If there is no arrests until the end credits, DNA profiles generated from samples collected from crime site will be retained in a repository which can be accessed later to track the “matching” perpetrator. Forensic DNA databases are currently in operation in approximately 69 countries, although others are being extended or developed in at minimum 34 new nations. These types of databases are needed in a populated country like India. The Government of India is working on a revised edition of the law aimed to set up a central DNA database for perpetrators. New issues are emerging, as predicted with the tremendous progress of the usage of DNA profile repositories.
The continuous growth in the size of repositories poses concerns on the criterion of inclusion and retention and suspicions on the usefulness, reliability, and privacy violation of such vast personal data. In view of its wide scope, the database posed questions regarding privacy, government monitoring, and human rights. The preservation of the DNA of an innocent citizen may be seen as an infringement into personal privacy and a breach into civil liberties.
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Kumar, S. (2020). DNA Databases: Risks, Benefits, Privacy, and Human Rights. In: Shrivastava, P., Dash, H.R., Lorente, J.A., Imam, J. (eds) Forensic DNA Typing: Principles, Applications and Advancements . Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-6655-4_34
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