Switzerland: National DNA database & military surveillance system
01 January 1999
A report, by an expert commission set up by the Justice ministry, and published on 19 January 1999, recommends the creation of a central national DNA database. The commission argues that the number of "hits" achieved with the database would increase with the number of persons tested and recommends that tests should not be limited to those convicted of a crime. DNA tests should be carried out in every instance where fingerprints are taken.
The police may take fingerprints from any person suspected of having committed a crime (including petty offences such as minor theft or participation in a banned demonstration). DNA fingerprinting and the storage of DNA data will become a regular procedure. The commission calculates that 2025,000 persons a year would be tested and filed, corresponding to about 3050 hits every week.
According to the Swiss Data Protection Act (1992), all databases with sensitive information need a basis in a law. The commission says that this exists in Art. 351 of the Criminal code, which enables the Swiss federation to exchange data with the cantons and with foreign authorities for purposes of identification. This would mean, that the minister could set up the data bank by decree, without having to consult parliament.
Swiss military surveillance system
The Upper House of the Swiss parliament have sanctioned, through a secret resolution, the creation of a Swiss military satelitte surveillnce system. At the beginning of February the Ministry of Defence said that the surveillance product of foreign telecommunications systems would be supplied to the police, the federal police and the cantonal (local) police.
Enormous parabolic refelctors in Leuk will be able to monitor and re-route intercepted phone calls, faxes and e-mails from within and outside Switzerland. The nerve centre will be a military computer in Bern with the ability to search message for keywords on pre-prepared lists.
However, while the intelligence and military services have a borad remit for interception the police (federal and cantonal) are governed by laws which require judicial warrant before permission is given for surveillance.
SonntagsZeitung, 8.2.99.