The Briefing Room
Exclusive Content => News => Topic started by: Smokin Joe on April 27, 2018, 07:49:32 am
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Use of DNA in serial killer probe sparks privacy concerns
http://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/use-of-dna-in-serial-killer-probe-sparks-privacy-concerns (http://business.financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/use-of-dna-in-serial-killer-probe-sparks-privacy-concerns)
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Investigators who used a genealogical website to find the ex-policeman they believe is a shadowy serial killer and rapist who terrified California decades ago call the technique ground-breaking.
But others say it raises troubling legal and privacy concerns for the millions of people who submit their DNA to such sites to discover their heritage.
There aren’t strong privacy laws to keep police from trolling ancestry site databases, said Steve Mercer, the chief attorney for the forensic division of the Maryland Office of the Public Defender.
“People who submit DNA for ancestors testing are unwittingly becoming genetic informants on their innocent family,†Mercer said, adding that they “have fewer privacy protections than convicted offenders whose DNA is contained in regulated databanks.â€
excerpt....nore at link.
See also:https://www.mysanantonio.com/business/technology/article/A-look-at-DNA-testing-that-ID-d-a-suspected-12868133.php (https://www.mysanantonio.com/business/technology/article/A-look-at-DNA-testing-that-ID-d-a-suspected-12868133.php)
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I find it hard to believe they found him that easily.
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I find it hard to believe they found him that easily.
Must have a unique set of genetic markers in the family. Someone is sitting on a lot of data that will eventually be abused.