Privacy Commissioner - Te Mana Matapono Matatapu

DNA Databanks: Some Privacy Considerations

A presentation to the International Symposium on National Databank Systems, Auckland, May 2004, by Blair Stewart, Assistant Privacy Commissioner

You can download the Powerpoint presentation from the bottom of this page.

Abstract

Using internationally recognised data privacy principles as a frame of reference, the presentation will consider privacy and data protection issues associated with the establishment and operation of a forensic DNA databank. Reference will be made to two NZ statutes: the Privacy Act 1993 and the Criminal Investigations (Bodily Samples) Act 1995. Domestic law will be used to illustrate protections for privacy, balances struck between privacy and other competing public interests, and remaining issues and dilemmas.