Ethical challenges of merging criminal identification and civil identification within the Prüm system. (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Machado, Helena; Granja, Rafaela; Amorim, António
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 57(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: Prüm system -- Facial recognition data -- Ethics of forensic genetics; Forensic genetics -- Periodicals; Génétique légale -- Périodiques; Forensic genetics; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102660
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1872-4973

Abstract

Abstract: The so-called Prüm system made mandatory for all EU Member States to join the pan-European network for the exchange of fingerprints, DNA profiles and motor vehicle information for stepping up on cross-border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime. Taking into consideration the number of DNA profiles archived in the national databases of the operational countries, more than 13 million DNA profiles can potentially be exchanged. Plans for "next-generation Prüm" that may soon be introduced aim to exchange additional forensic modalities, namely facial recognition data (FRD). This commentary highlights the ethical and social problems of merging DNA profiles of convicted persons, suspects and crime stains (targeting criminal identification) with DNA profiles from missing persons, relatives of missing persons, unidentified persons and unidentified human remains (oriented to civil identification). In a complementary manner, we also discuss the problematic amendments of the so-called "next-generation Prüm" that may soon be introduced that includes plans to exchange additional forensic modalities, namely facial recognition data (FRD). Highlights: The Prüm System transnational exchange of DNA data involves 25 EU Member- States. More than 13 million DNA profiles can potentially be exchanged. Genetic profiles from unidentified bodies related to civil identification are being exchanged within the Prüm system. Future plans include exchange of facial recognition data. Ethical debate is urgent.