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"As most research scientists know well, the government frequently releases sensitive information under controlled conditions to verified researchers," Krane wrote in his letter. "Even within the criminal justice context, law enforcement officials have made available data about the age, race, gender, geographic residence, and a wide range of other information about criminal offenders so that researchers can conduct studies aimed at improving and enhancing effective law enforcement.”The FBI's interest in privacy in this scenario may be virtuous, but critics say it raises eyebrows too. It is conceivable, Krane argues, that the FBI is aware of serious flaws in its system and does not want those to be known, as they could destroy the use of DNA in investigations completely. “It gives them the opportunity to have some high ground,” he told me.This is the only instance of which I’m aware … where it is the federal government that is a proponent of an individual’s privacy rights.
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