The Use Of DNA In Security

An Update On The Use of DNA

In the past, I have written a few postings about the possibilities of DNA Recognition as Biometric Technology. As of the present time, it is still in the very early stages of Research and Development. But, there could be other uses for it in Security.

A Biometrics/Security Vendor known as "Applied DNA Sciences, Inc." has just announced recently it can incorporate its own unique DNA Algorithms (known as "SigNature DNA") into various types of Security Documents. Here are some details: "Applied DNA Sciences, Inc. (OTCBB: APDN), a provider of DNA-based security solutions, announced today that in collaboration with a world leader in security laminated materials, it has validated its proprietary SigNature DNA into laminates typically used in travel documents, credit cards, drivers licenses and other government issued identification cards." (SOURCE: http://www.findbiometrics.com/press-release/5965).

There is a Federal Law, known as "REAL ID", which protects against duplicate and illegal replications of Driver’s Licenses and other types of Security Identification Cards, such as State issued ID Cards. This Legislation also sets forth Security Standards for State issued ID Cards and Driver’s Licenses. Now, according to this Legislation, DNA can be " . . . incorporated as part of a security ink that is embedded into the laminate of a driver's license." (SOURCE: http://www.findbiometrics.com/press-release/5965). Other types of Biometrics are also recognized by this Legislation, such as Fingerprint and Retinal Biometrics.

Apparently, all states in the US have to come into compliance with the REAL ID Legislation by the end of this year, and under certain conditions, extensions can be granted until the spring of 2011.

Final Thoughts On Today’s Posting

The use of DNA can be used to protect other types of crucial Security Documents, as well, for example, " . . . DNA in laminated materials can be used to protect credit cards, passports and immigration visas . . . [and] . . . can be incorporated into intaglio inks, cyanoacrylates, thermal transfer ribbons, adhesives and inkjet inks." (SOURCE: http://www.findbiometrics.com/press-release/5965).

In my opinion, these steps taken on the use of DNA, can be considered as a good "leap" forward into pioneering the use of DNA as a potential Biometric Technology. However, Privacy Rights will be among on one of the greatest issues facing the use of DNA as a potential Biometric Technology. It will be interesting to see how the role of Privacy Rights comes out in this Security Solution written about in this Posting. The public needs to be informed and educated that their DNA will be used in Driver’s Licenses and State ID Cards. Perhaps this will help quell some of the concerns of Privacy Rights.

DNA as a potential Biometric Technology still has very much a long way to go before it can be used in Biometrics. The main obstacle is that Verification and/or Identification has to come down to a matter of seconds or even milliseconds, as other types of Biometric Technologies continue to evolve and grow. At the present time, it can up to 2-3 weeks to get the results from a DNA Analysis.

Source for this Posting:  http://www.findbiometrics.com/press-release/5965

Comments

[don]

Are you saying that it takes 2 or 3 weeks to idenify the results of a potential fraud using APDN's invention? Like dna taken off a wine bottle label.

[alexandre]

Really interesting news about this technology

[ffxiv gil]

technology change our life much.

[Nike Vandal]

Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet .