Biometric and DNA technologies raise new data protection concerns

09:54

By: Dakir Madiha

Biometric and DNA technologies raise new data protection concerns

Advances in biometric science and genetic analysis are reshaping identification methods used in criminal investigations, as experts and public officials warn that technological progress is moving faster than legal safeguards designed to protect personal data. During a conference in Rabat focused on genomic information and privacy rights, specialists examined the growing use of DNA analysis and biometric systems in law enforcement while stressing the ethical and legal risks linked to the expansion of sensitive databases.

Officials from Morocco’s scientific police services presented several technologies already used in criminal investigations. These include fingerprint analysis, facial recognition, voice recognition, iris scanning, and genetic profiling. Some of these systems are now fully integrated into judicial procedures and national databases used to support criminal investigations and forensic identification. Experts noted that biometric identification increasingly relies on the combination of physical and biological characteristics to authenticate individuals with greater precision.

Participants also discussed emerging technologies that remain under development, including gait recognition and behavioral analysis tools. These methods are not yet standardized enough for broad judicial use, but researchers expect them to play a larger role in future investigations as artificial intelligence and predictive analysis systems become more advanced. Specialists warned, however, that the absence of harmonized legal frameworks could create risks related to surveillance, misuse of personal information, and violations of privacy rights.

A major part of the discussions focused on the rapid evolution of DNA analysis in forensic science. Conventional forensic methods currently rely on the study of short tandem repeat markers, commonly known as STR markers, which allow investigators to compare DNA samples collected from crime scenes with profiles from suspects, victims, or missing persons. Researchers explained that the number of genetic markers used in forensic analysis has increased significantly in recent years, improving the accuracy of identification and reducing the probability of false matches.

DNA technologies are now used in a broad range of investigations, including terrorism cases, violent crimes, disaster victim identification, paternity disputes, and the search for missing individuals. Experts also highlighted the growing role of next generation sequencing technologies, known as NGS, which can extract usable genetic information from highly degraded biological material such as old bones or damaged tissue samples. These advances have expanded the capacity of forensic laboratories to solve complex cases that previously remained unresolved.

Despite these advances, specialists acknowledged that technical limitations still exist. In some sexual violence investigations, biological traces recovered from crime scenes remain too limited or too damaged to generate complete DNA profiles. This challenge has encouraged laboratories to develop more advanced analytical methods capable of identifying partial genetic material and distinguishing between closely related individuals, including identical twins.

Discussions also addressed the growing use of predictive genetics and genetic genealogy techniques, which have already helped solve cold cases in several countries. These approaches allow investigators to establish family connections or infer biological traits from DNA traces left at crime scenes. Experts warned that these practices involve highly sensitive information because genetic data reveals not only individual identity but also biological relationships and inherited characteristics.

Participants stressed the need for strict safeguards governing genetic databases, including limitations on data collection, controlled access systems, secure storage mechanisms, and clearly defined retention periods. Moroccan authorities also emphasized the supervisory role of the National Commission for the Control of Personal Data Protection in monitoring the processing of personal and biometric data. The conference concluded with calls for stronger legal and ethical frameworks capable of balancing scientific innovation with the protection of civil liberties and personal privacy.