DNA databases, which have long been used by amateur genealogists, have burst into the headlines as law enforcement uses them to solve cold case murders. For instance, detectives used an open source database called GEDmatch to catch the Golden State Killer, who murdered and raped dozens of women during the 1970s-80s.

Yet while solving crimes is obviously good, there are concerns about violations of genetic privacy. It is now possible to identify the overwhelming majority of Americans, without their consent, based on merely two DNA samples from second or even third cousins. That said, future applications of these databases could propel remarkable medical innovations such as personalized gene therapies and bioelectronics.

What are DNA databases designed to do? What are the privacy concerns associated with these databases? Are these databases more or less creepy than those of facial recognition? Which of these services are accessible to law enforcement? What is the panopticon, how does it apply to a DNA database? How is this any different than a fingerprint database?

Further Reading

“ ‘Genetic Informants’ and the Hunt for the Golden State Killer”, written by Matthew Feeney

The hunt for the Golden State Killer on GEDmatch.

Parabon Nanolabs is creating a DNA database specifically marketed for police.

How does the 4th Amendment work in the age of warrantless searching of DNA databases?

Carpenter v. United States

Oral Argument of Maryland v. King

Related Content

Decentralization and Privacy Are Inevitable — in Tech and in Government, written by Aaron Ross Powell

How New Technology is Changing Law Enforcement, Free Thoughts Episode

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.