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PRAHAR 2023
Science & Tech – Mains Question
1. In this context of the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill,
2019, analyse its main issues and concerns. (15 Marks/ 250 Words)

Ans. The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha for the
regulation of use of DNA technology for establishing the identity of certain persons.
Features of The Bill:
1. National and regional DNA data banks will be set up for maintaining a national database for
identification of victims, suspects, undertrials and unidentified human remains.
2. As per the bill, all DNA data, including DNA profiles, DNA samples and records, will only be used
for identification of the person and not for "any other purpose".
3. The Bill establishes a DNA Regulatory Board to accredit the DNA laboratories that analyse DNA
samples to establish the identity of an individual.
4. Fine and imprisonment for the leakage of data as right to privacy is a fundamental right which can't be
sacrificed.
Issues/ Concerns:
1. Data Protection: Due to the lack of strong data protection regulations, there are worries about the
security of many DNA profiles that will be stored at the National DNA Data Bank and its regional
centers.
2. Issues of Misuse: Allowing investigating agencies to collect DNA samples from “suspects,” will give
them “unbridled power that is easily capable of misuse and abuse” and amount to a “threat to the life,
liberty, dignity, and privacy of a person.
3. Not creating separate data banks for civil and criminal matters. This will result in a presumption
against the person.
4. The law could be used for caste or community-based profiling.
5. Errant testing and conviction.
To overcome the issues of the bill, it is required to work on the following provisions:
• Adequate provisions for Cyber Security should be taken care of.
• Strict Legislation for Data Protection to protect personal data and privacy, as well as sample collecting
that is well-defined and purpose-driven.
• Need for Independent Scrutiny is must for the protection of privacy.
• Make provisions for the removal of a person's DNA profile from the data bank as soon as he or she is
declared innocent.

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