Compulsory DNA testing of all citizens and visitors sounds like an Orwellian nightmare, but this is the new reality [for Kuwait].
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The government has…said the database could help identify victims. But if a bomb causes many fatalities, DNA will not help much in distinguishing the attacker from those killed.
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There are implications for business and science. European industry and research has benefited hugely from the loosening of travel restrictions and the subsequent boosting of trade with Kuwait. Companies will now think twice about opening facilities there.
And will scientists from abroad still wish to attend conferences in Kuwait in the knowledge that their right to privacy will be invaded so dramatically? I think not. This could have a major impact on Kuwait’s standing as a conference host and hinder joint research projects.
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The answer is clear; it is neither appropriate nor helpful in tackling the dangers it is designed to confront, and the threat posed in the event of its misuse is highly alarming.
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The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis. Read full, original post: Kuwait’s mass DNA database is a huge attack on genetic privacy
