Expanding Forensic DNA Databases: Responsible Governance

As national forensic DNA databases continue to expand globally, a new perspective article highlights the urgent need for stronger governance and safeguards. Drawing on data from an international mapping study, the article — The advent of forensic DNA databases: It’s time to agree on some international governance principles! — explores how the unchecked growth of these databases risks infringing on human rights, including privacy and equality. Despite Interpol’s best practice guidelines, minimal standards for governance and accountability remain — a gap that must be addressed to ensure these tools do not become a source of harm rather than justice (Uberoi, Palmour & Joly, Forensic Science International: Genetics, Vol. 72, 103095, 2024).

Key Recommendations from the Authors for Responsible Forensic DNA Database Use

The article outlines several important steps to ensure forensic DNA databases are used ethically and effectively:

Quality Assurance: Implement standardised, compulsory quality and accreditation programmes for labs and technicians.
Training: Provide mandatory training for law enforcement on DNA handling, ethics, and legal limits.
Ethical Use: Avoid using DNA from individuals not suspected or convicted of crimes without consent, especially for human remains identification.
Privacy Safeguards: Conduct regular privacy risk assessments and notify individuals of data breaches promptly.
• Transparency: Maintain a public website with accessible information on database size, demographics, usage, and breaches.
Regulated Innovation: Prevent ad-hoc use of new techniques without proper review, consultation, and regulation.
Equity Research: Study the broader impacts of database expansion on fairness and inclusion across regions.