As individuals, each and every one of us has unique DNA makeups. These genetic structures contribute to how we look, think, and even feel. DNA is such a crucial part of us that it is literally impossible to break away from. In other words, it can serve as an inherent identity card that each of us carry. Because of this, people have devised newer methods to aid the convenience of tracking individuals, both good ones and bad, through our unique identity card, DNA. One of the best ways to do this is through the use of DNA fingerprinting.
List of Pros of DNA Fingerprinting
1. Improves the Ability to Catch Criminals
This type of fingerprinting is critical because it not only saves a physical print, but it’s also tied to someone’s DNA so it makes it even harder to escape capture from the authorities if a criminal were to get away. There are many cases where there were serial killers, but thanks to DNA fingerprinting, they were able to find the pattern in the crimes thanks to the similar DNA patterns. This is very critical for law enforcement agencies to improve their ability to protect our citizenry. With that in mind, DNA fingerprinting is supremely effective for this purpose.
2. Can Lead to Biometric Locks
Biometric locks are locks or security features tied to our physical DNA. When it comes to DNA, it is again unique to every individual. Because of that, it allows you to open or secure a specific device based on individual genetic differences. With DNA fingerprinting, you can guarantee that if you were to lock something, only you could open it. This is, in other words, an example of a biometric lock. While these locks can still be compromised through physical force, they are far more sophisticated and dependable in comparison to traditional locks.
List of Cons of DNA Fingerprinting
1. Privacy Concerns
Without question, the biggest problem with DNA fingerprinting is the fact that it threatens the sanctity of individual privacy. If the government or private institutions have access to individual DNA, then that would mean these structures have a tremendous store of private information. This is very important for the privacy of people because without privacy, they would be at great risk from having their identities or other intimate assets taken.
While DNA fingerprinting is interesting, there certainly needs to be more time before people are willing to accept it long-term.