Question

Which are bioethical concerns about DNA databanks? Check all that apply.

Storing information about someone’s DNA may be an invasion of privacy.

Databanks may change the way police work.

Taking information about someone’s DNA without their permission is a civil rights issue.

Information from databanks can be retrieved by anyone.

Answer 1

Select the first three statements (True). Brief reasons:

- Storing information about someone’s DNA may be an invasion of privacy. — DNA contains highly personal information about identity, health, and relatives, so storage raises privacy concerns.
- Databanks may change the way police work. — Widespread DNA databanks can alter law‑enforcement practices, surveillance, and profiling, raising ethical and legal issues.
- Taking information about someone’s DNA without their permission is a civil rights issue. — Nonconsensual collection implicates autonomy, consent, and potential discrimination.

The fourth statement is false: information in reputable databanks is not accessible “by anyone” (though unauthorized access or misuse is a separate security/ethical risk).