The Indian government has unveiled plans to create a DNA database of its citizens based on blockchain technology. The main partner of the project is a German company seriously working in the field of molecular genetics and precision medicine, Shivom. Shivom plans to use two completely new technologies, genomics and blockchain, which will personalize healthcare.
The Indian government hopes to use the database to improve health care by helping prevent genetic diseases at an early stage. This could be extremely important given that South Asian communities are virtually unrepresented in the global DNA database and in most cases, disease risk varies by region of origin. For example, the lack of genetic information on South Asians means there is a lack of research that could eventually make it possible to treat genetically determined disorders.
This is not the first time India has attempted to collect a biometric database of citizens.
Efforts to create a national DNA database began two years ago to investigate crimes and catch criminals. Many countries, including the United States, store DNA samples taken from convicted prisoners.
Another program, Aadhaar, was created with the aim of using biometric data to help the government monitor the socially disadvantaged and provide targeted assistance and subsidies. Currently, more than a million Indians are enrolled in the program. However, such plans have sparked public criticism that the project violates privacy, unfairly targets only socially vulnerable citizens, and it is unclear how the data will ultimately be used.
One Indian newspaper even discovered that biometric data is being sold for a pittance on the Internet.
There is concern that the new database may encounter the same problems. But the government assures that participation in this project will be optional and that there are security mechanisms and restrictions on access to anonymous genomic data, which is stored digitally.
India is not a pioneer in blockchain-based DNA collection: the UAE, Estonia and Israel are already using this technology for medical research.
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