In the UK, Your DNA Is Safe
Poster: Aron Schatz
Posted on August 29, 2006 at 1:22:11 PM
A major score for the privacy (a civil right!) people. There is an act in the UK that makes DNA analysis without consent illegal. Good for the UK.
Quote
The new law, part of the Human Tissue Act 2004, makes it illegal to take a sample of someone's DNA and have it analysed without obtaining their consent. Employers tempted to use DNA to check up on staff, or insurance companies on their policy holders, will be prevented from doing so. "The incredible thing about DNA is that it has impact not only on one person but on their whole family's privacy too," says Kennedy. "Suppose some prominent figure in politics was suspected of not being the father of a child and a tabloid got hold of a sample."