Xinjiang's fast-expanding DNA database has inadequate privacy protection, human rights activists have warned. While many countries keep a genetic database of suspected and convicted criminals, Xinjiang is going further and including DNA from the general public. Chinese authorities have been asking ordinary citizens to provide blood samples for DNA, with minorities and vulnerable groups including migrant workers and political dissidents being particular targets. Indeed, China authorities have bought around $10bn in equipment to step up collection and indexing. Human Rights Watch warned this collection programme may be used to increase political control.
China's fast-expanding DNA database has inadequate privacy protection, human rights activists have warned. While many countries keep a genetic database of suspected and convicted criminals, China is going further and including DNA from the general public. Chinese authorities have been asking ordinary citizens to provide blood samples for DNA, with minorities and vulnerable groups including migrant workers and political dissidents being particular targets. Indeed, Xinjiang authorities have bought around $10bn in equipment to step up collection and indexing. Human Rights Watch warned this collection programme may be used to increase political control.