Genetic data repo OpenSNP to self-destruct before authoritarians weaponize it OpenSNP, a fourteen-year-old open source repository for genetic records, will shut down and delete all its data at the end of April. The reason, according to bioinformatics researcher Bastian Greshake Tzovaras, one of the founders of the project, is the dissolution of genetic testing biz 23andMe and the potential weaponization …
On UK government estimates, 25% of working age Britons have a criminal conviction. Since 2003, the police have also had the power to take and retain DNA samples from anyone who has been arrested, whether or not they are subsequently convicted. Taking into account the inferences that can be made from biologically-related samples, governments - however you characterise them - seem to be getting there perfectly well without any outside assistance.
Since 2003, the police have also had the power to take and retain DNA samples from anyone who has been arrested, whether or not they are subsequently convicted.
I had a look on the interpleb:
"Schedule 2A and Sections 61, 63 and 64A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 respectively provides the police with the power to require fingerprints, DNA and photographs from an individual who is arrested, charged, or convicted with a recordable offence."
From: https://www.kent.police.uk/police-forces/kent-police/areas/kent-police/about-us/release-from-custody-information/biometric-sample/#:~:text=Legislation,convicted%20with%20a%20recordable%20offence.
But you can apply to have it deleted:
"Getting your data removed
The ACRO Criminal Records Office (ACRO) operates a record deletion service on our behalf. Please check the ACRO website to see if you may be eligible to make an application for having your data deleted. This process also deals with requests to remove certain arrest records or out of court disposals, such as cautions. Court convictions are not eligible for deletion."
From: https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/rqo/request/r-dna-fp/data-removed-police-records/
Eligibility and other details available here: https://www.acro.police.uk/s/acro-services/record-deletion#amieligible
Of course, it does not say that if you are eligible, they will definitely delete your data ... But if you were convicted of an offence as an adult, they will definitely keep your data forever (our until their software licence runs out or the one person who knows how to keep the system running retires).
until their software licence runs out or the one person who knows how to keep the system running retires
It's not only ACRO that needs to keep its licences up to date:
Applicants will require Microsoft Word, or a Microsoft 365 account for the downloaded application form to be fully interactive, editable, and responsive
They do suggest Apple users download Pages but the dropdown options will not work, and will require the applicant to delete the text already present in the answer field, and to then type in the correct answer manually. No word on Linux: presumably that results in an instant referral to counter-terrorism.
Well, in the UK, speeding can be a criminal offence: https://www.nacro.org.uk/news/disclosing-motoring-convictions-under-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act/
"A motoring conviction happens when someone is considered to have broken the law while driving. For example, if a driver is caught doing something illegal, like speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, or using a mobile phone while driving, they can receive a criminal conviction. This does not include parking tickets or fines for driving in a bus lane which are civil matters. Each year, there are approximately 750,000 motoring convictions in the Magistrates’ Court in England and Wales ."
Lots of people drive too fast and exceed the speed limit, so strictly speaking they could be charged and convicted of a criminal offence, although minor offences can be dealt with by ttheeh culprit attending a Speed Awareness Course, to avoid the dreaded 'points on the licence'.
None far-right voters will vote for far-right parties when they offer something they want that centrist and left leaning parties won't. The whole idea of left and right is a bit silly. It has become a case of what will you accept to get what you want? If we are really honest there isn't really a difference between political parties. They are literally funded by the same rich people and corporations.
As I have stated elsewhere ... the people with the money fund the 'Political parties'.
The 'Political parties' keep the masses under control with the impression that they matter and the constant 'debate' between the 'Tribes'.
The 'Power & Influence' stays with the same people ... the people with money !!!
The 'Mega-corps' are the biggest change BUT they are owned by or invested in by ... the people with money ... so no change there !!!
:)
You can't have far-right governments without far-right voters... once. After that, it doesn't matter.
As a matter of idle curiosity, can any of our US readers say how many senators have to be arrested, disappeared, or deported, until one has a quorum to change the constitution?
But why wait until the end of April? Why not just, as suggested above, "shred the drives" now? Before they can be hacked, or subpoenaed or even stolen. I mean, if the end game is to "delete all the data", why must there be 30 days lead time? You're not going to back it up, are you? (Of course not; doing so would make a liar out of you....)
So why wait? Do it now! Nuke it from orbit -- it's the only way to be sure.
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