Dr Hui Yun Chan1
1National University Of Singapore, Singapore
Biography:
Bio to come
Abstract:
Genetic and DNA information contain valuable information for health and clinical research. Recent expansions in databases containing clinical, research or genetic information have created opportunities for uses which differ from their original purposes. An example is its use for criminal investigations by law enforcement agencies. This development raises important ethical and legal concerns. Although DNA information has been used to assist police in criminal investigations, changes in laws seeking to widen the powers of law enforcement agencies to collect DNA samples from more people for criminal investigations have revived concerns in two important aspects: (a) protecting public safety and interest; and (b) protecting the privacy of personal information. This paper explores the legal and ethical implications of the legislative widening of law enforcement agencies’ powers: the Registration of Criminals (Amendment) Act 2022 in Singapore. It will highlight relevant concerns with widening police access powers, such as privacy issues to public interest considerations and questions about the extent of police powers to access and use genetic information deposited in these databases. Potential safeguards and legal options are considered to facilitate the aims of protecting public safety through acceptable powers in police investigations, safeguarding individuals’ expectations of privacy of their personal information contained in research databases and supporting the continued sustainability of these databases.