Kuwait is taking homeland security to new heights — or, as some see it — new lows.
Later this year, the Persian Gulf nation will require its citizens, temporary residents and tourists to submit DNA samples to a $400 million security database.
Kuwait’s National Assembly passed the law in July; a month after an ISIS suicide bomber killed 27 people and injured 227 in the country’s capital.
The government will collect saliva and blood samples from anyone living there. Tourists will have to submit their own samples before entering the country.
Disobeying the law will cost you. Those who refuse to provide samples can face up to a year in jail and a $33,000 fine; falsifying DNA samples will result in seven years behind bars.
While Kuwait’s department of criminal evidence insists that the database won’t affect personal freedoms, the law has sparked outrage. Some travelers tweeted that they won’t be returning to the country anytime soon.
Visitors to Kuwait will also have to provide DNA samples to the government. When arriving by plane, visitors will stop at a center at Kuwait International Airport to have their DNA sample taken. For citizens, the Kuwaiti government will have mobile centers to collect samples. Anyone faking the DNA samples will face up to a maximum seven years in prison.
In addition to solving crimes and terrorism cases, the DNA database will be used to identify bodies in cases of natural disaster. Officials said that the test is not done to diagnose any disease or obtain medical information because such information is part of individuals’ privacy and the law bans access to it.
(Source: Internet)
