FNAEG

FNAEG (Fichier National Automatisé des Empreintes Génétiques) is the French national DNA database. It was established in 1998 to assist in the identification of individuals involved in criminal investigations. The database is managed by the Ministry of the Interior and is used by law enforcement agencies to store and compare DNA profiles.

History

The FNAEG was created following the passage of the Guigou Law in 1998, which aimed to enhance the capabilities of the French police in solving crimes through the use of genetic information. Initially, the database was limited to storing DNA profiles of convicted sex offenders. However, its scope has since expanded to include individuals convicted of other serious crimes, as well as suspects and individuals involved in ongoing investigations.

Functionality

The FNAEG operates by collecting DNA samples from individuals and analyzing them to create unique DNA profiles. These profiles are then stored in the database and can be compared against DNA evidence collected from crime scenes. The database is a crucial tool for the French National Police and the Gendarmerie Nationale in solving crimes, identifying suspects, and exonerating the innocent.

Legal Framework

The use of the FNAEG is governed by strict legal regulations to ensure the protection of individual privacy and the ethical use of genetic information. The collection, storage, and use of DNA profiles are subject to oversight by the Commission nationale de l'informatique et des libertés (CNIL), which ensures compliance with data protection laws.

Controversies

The expansion of the FNAEG to include a broader range of individuals has raised concerns about privacy and civil liberties. Critics argue that the inclusion of suspects and individuals not convicted of crimes could lead to potential abuses and the stigmatization of innocent people. Proponents, however, argue that the database is a vital tool for law enforcement and has been instrumental in solving numerous crimes.

Related Pages

• DNA profiling
• Ministry of the Interior (France)
• French National Police
• Gendarmerie Nationale
• Commission nationale de l'informatique et des libertés

See Also

• CODIS
• National DNA Database (United Kingdom)
• Biometrics