Safeguards demanded for DNA database

Privacy safeguards are required to combat the intrusive effects of the police DNA database, it has been claimed.

GeneWatch UK launched a report which said the National DNA Database posed an increasing threat to privacy.

Spokeswoman Dr Helen Wallace said: "Controls on the database must be tightened to prevent a Big Brother state.

"Within living memory, both fascist and communist governments in Europe have used personal records as a means of oppressing different populations.

"There are important changes that can be made to safeguard privacy and rights without compromising the use of DNA in fighting crime."

The group noted that the database creates a permanent "list of suspects", including anyone arrested for a recordable offence, even if they are never charged.

It "increases the potential for discrimination in the criminal justice system," said the report, which called for the creation of an independent and accountable governing body for the database.

Individuals' DNA samples should also be destroyed once an investigation was complete, it added.

The group opposed the idea of expanding the database to include the whole population because of the "potential to create a future police state".

By Just Us posted 17 January 05

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