Data mining is a powerful and tool, but it poses challenges to the protection of individual privacy. Data mining can combine information from many sources to create detailed profiles about each of us. Many question whether companies should be allowed to collect such detailed information about individuals.
Using the material in the textbook and websites such as ChoicePoint.com, USAData and other sources, address the following questions:
1. What are the benefits of DNA databases? What problems do DNA databases pose?
2. Who should be included in a national DNA database? Should one be limited to convicted felons? Explain your answer.
3. Explore the Web site for the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and answer the following questions:
o How does CODIS work? How is it designed?
o What information does CODIS maintain?
o Who is allowed to use CODIS?
o How does CODIS aid criminal investigations?