DNA database

A DNA database or DNA databank is a database of DNA data. A DNA database can be used in the analysis of genetic diseases, genetic fingerprinting for criminology, or genetic genealogy. DNA databases may be public or private. These databases do not normally hold DNA except for a short time. DNA fingerprints or DNA profiles are made from the DNA and these are held electronically in the DNA database

The largest DNA database in the world is CODIS,^[1] followed by the United Kingdom National DNA Database,^[2] and thirdly a Californian DNA database^{[clarification needed]} (its records are included in CODIS).

The Australian criminal DNA database is called the National Criminal Investigation DNA Database (NCIDD)^[3] and the Canadian equivalent is the National DNA Data Bank (NDDB) ^[4]

Types

A national DNA database is a government database of DNA profiles against which law enforcement agencies can match suspect DNA.

A genetic genealogy database is a DNA database of genealogical DNA test results.

A medical DNA database is a DNA database of medically relevant genetic variations [1].

Privacy Issues

Critics of DNA databases warn that the various uses of the technology can pose a threat to an individual's civil liberties^{[citation needed]} . For example the personal information included in the genetic material regards to all of the person's health-related data, including markers that identify various genetic diseases and behavioral traits such as aggression, were this to become possible.

Some citizens worry that there will be a repeat of the Social Security program expansion of becoming a national identifier. The government would have very personal bodily information at their disposal, and some fear it would misuse the data^{[citation needed]}.

References

1. ^ CODIS - National DNA Index System
2. ^ House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 20 Jun 2007 (pt 0037)
3. ^ CrimTrac's National Criminal Investigation DNA Database (NCIDD)
4. ^ Canadian National DNA Data Bank