Opinion piece: When data privacy laws hinder crime fighting
Devoshum Moodley-Veera
Integrity Activist, anti- corruption expert, AI Ethicist, PhD candidate, whistleblower protection activist, author and researcher, authentic leader, best performer, ceo innovation and best manager awardee
Just finished watching Netflix's "The Breakthrough," and it's got my mind buzzing. The show highlights a real-world dilemma: the tension between data privacy and crime investigation.
In the series, a genealogist uses DNA to help solve a cold case. But General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) throw a wrench in the works, making it harder to obtain crucial DNA samples. This raises a serious question: Are data privacy laws like GDPR sometimes too restrictive? Are they inadvertently protecting criminals?
It's a tough issue. On the one hand, protecting our personal information is essential. But on the other, shouldn't we be doing everything we can to catch dangerous criminals and bring justice to victims?
Perhaps there needs to be a more nuanced approach, a way to balance individual privacy with the need for effective law enforcement. Maybe a system with stricter safeguards and oversight could allow for limited, targeted access to DNA databases in serious criminal investigations.
This isn't about sacrificing privacy on the altar of security. It's about finding a sensible middle ground where we can protect both our personal information and our communities.
#TheBreakthrough #DataPrivacy #CrimeFighting #GDPR #Netflix #Opinion
Integrity Activist, anti- corruption expert, AI Ethicist, PhD candidate, whistleblower protection activist, author and researcher, authentic leader, best performer, ceo innovation and best manager awardee
1 个月Sizwe Lindelo Snail ka Mtuze your thoughts on this subject if any please?
MY EXPERIENCE MAY BE YOUR SOLUTION: EXPERT IN CANNABIS LAW & CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCESS.(Retired Section Head Legal Services: SAPS. Operational Legal Support: Crime Operations.)
1 个月I am of the view that our laws have sufficient mechanisms to obtain personal informatuon during a criminal investigation. I say this with 37 years experience behind me.
Lawyer: Telecoms, Information Technology, Data Privacy & Fintech
1 个月Thanks for this thought-provoking piece. I haven't seen the Breakthrough, but know that the area of DNA, and its privacy considerations, is complex and emotive. I think Charmaine Soobramoney has captured the issues well and I share her views.
Legal | Governance | Compliance | Strategy | B20 Brasil
1 个月Privacy laws definitely need to have a built in exception rule for law enforcement agencies to be able to conduct investigations otherwise privacy law would hinder crime investigations and become a defence at prosecution. What sometimes happens though is that when a new scenario that the legislature never envisaged rises, the law needs to play catch up which doesn't happen overnight while a case goes cold. In this instance genealogy based investigations was new and extended over generations of family information and the law never envisaged that. To bring it home, in South Africa, "personal information" of deceased individuals is not protected by POPIA so genealogy based investigation may not face the same hurdle. As long as the purpose is clearly articulated. Definitely food for thought and something to read up on more. Keen to hear other views.
Integrity Activist, anti- corruption expert, AI Ethicist, PhD candidate, whistleblower protection activist, author and researcher, authentic leader, best performer, ceo innovation and best manager awardee
1 个月Advocate Dirontsho Mohale Lucien Pierce Muhanganei Mbedzi Taz Chikwakwata - CISSP,CDPO Charmaine Soobramoney Walter Bhengu Mansah Don Amoah Christine Alice Winterburn Hlengiwe Dube