DNA for internal use
China imposes fines for uncoordinated collection of DNA of citizens
Svetlana Maslova, Hi-tech+
The new law, which comes into force on July 1, regulates the collection and use of genetic data of citizens. In addition to severe financial penalties, the new rules will also complicate the work of scientists who planned to use information from China's genetic data banks.
The new law restricts the collection and use of DNA of Chinese citizens outside the country. The new rules come into force on July 1, 2019 and regulate the use of personal data that have been in force in the country since 1998.
Restrictions are imposed on all biological materials from which DNA can be isolated, writes Nature.
The fine for unauthorized collection of biomaterial and genetic data for individuals and legal entities can be up to 10 million yuan (more than $ 1.4 million).
Individuals and organizations that violate the rules may be blacklisted, which will prohibit them from continuing scientific work for up to five years, and in some cases, a lifetime suspension from genetic research is provided.
Strict restrictions followed in response to the outrage of the Chinese media, which discovered the activities of a foreign pharmaceutical company that collected blood samples of thousands of Chinese for genetic research. Last year, the government made public three cases involving five organizations and one hospital that violated existing regulations and transferred previously collected genetic data to a third party without the approval of government agencies. At the same time, representatives of the companies stated that they did not know that the transfer of data even within the country must be approved by the authorities.
"The new law clarifies how scientific activities should be organized and international cooperation should be carried out," said scientist Xun Sui from BGI Research, whose company was previously fined.
There are concerns that the new rules will significantly complicate international research based on genetic databases from China.
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