DNA Technology Bill Withdrawn
The Union government has pulled back the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019, from the Lok Sabha as of July 24.
Originally suggested in 2003, this Bill has seen many revisions, overseen by the Department of Biotechnology and the Law Ministry. In 2019, after its presentation in the Lok Sabha, it was sent for review to the Parliamentary Standing Committee. The committee’s report came out in 2021, underlining concerns raised by some parliament members. They cautioned that the Bill might be exploited to target specific sections of society based on religious, caste, or political inclinations.
What does the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill entail?
According to a 2019 article by The Indian Express, the Bill aims to formulate a governing structure for the collection, storage, and examination of human DNA samples, predominantly for criminal investigative purposes and confirming a person’s identity. DNA tests are already in use for multiple reasons like identifying criminals, verifying familial ties, and locating lost individuals. This proposed legislation wants to establish an overseeing mechanism to ensure the ethical use of DNA technology.
The Bill suggests the formation of two main bodies: a national DNA regulatory board and
a DNA data bank. These could also have regional counterparts at state levels. The regulatory board will be responsible for creating guidelines on DNA collection, analysis, and preservation. In contrast, the data bank will store all collected DNA samples following particular regulations. The Bill emphasizes that only board-approved labs can test DNA samples. It further elaborates on the conditions for requesting DNA samples, their usage, and the precise methods of management, storage, and access.What concerns arise from this Bill?
The primary contention regarding this legislation focuses on three points: the infallibility of DNA technology, the potential misuse of DNA data, and the protection of individual privacy. DNA data can reveal a plethora of information, including personal physical traits, health vulnerabilities, medical background, and potential biological connections. Over time, many have voiced concerns about the potential misuse of such intimate data, arguing it breaches individual privacy.
The 2021 report by the Standing Committee acknowledged these concerns. It stated: “The Committee understands that the Bill is intricate, challenging, and delicate. Several members have raised alarms over the potential misuse of DNA technology, especially targeting certain societal groups based on religion, caste, or politics. These apprehensions are not without basis and should be addressed.”
The government’s stance on the issue:
The government has defended the Bill, pointing out that around 60 nations have implemented similar laws, ensuring the aspects of privacy, confidentiality, and data protection are addressed. Furthermore, the government has emphasized that the data stored would be minimal, capturing only 17 sets of numbers from the vast array present in DNA samples. They assert that this limited data would solely serve as a unique identifier and reveal no personal information about the individual.
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