National genetic information base may appear in Uzbekistan

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan proposes to create a national database of genetic information, as well as introduce services related to the use and handling of these data.

The database is proposed to be created in connection with the draft law “On genomic information”, published on Friday on the portal of discussions of normative-legal acts. It will be available for public comment until April 13.

“The main objectives of this law are to obtain, record, store, use, transfer and destroy biological material and process genomic information; create (generate) a national database of genomic information; identify a person’s personality,” the document says.

In accordance with the draft law, the conditions for collecting and processing genomic information should exclude the possibility of its loss, distortion and unauthorized access to it, as well as unintended access and impact on electronic information resources with genomic information.

According to the document, compulsory state genomic registration should be subject to biological material seized during the investigation and court proceedings, missing persons, law enforcement officers, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Defense, customs.

Voluntary registration is carried out on a fee basis upon the written application of individuals. Payment will be charged in the manner and amount established by the government of the country. Selection of the material should be carried out in the presence of their legal representatives, the bill states.