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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noor Dzuhaidah Osman is a university law lecturer at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia and a former lawyer. She has several important roles, including coordinator for LLM in International Law, committee member for Biosecurity and Biosafety USIM, and researcher for the International Law Unit, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. 

Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia

Kampung Baharu Nilai

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Malaysia

Recent briefs from this University
Science, Innovation & Ethics

The importance of cyberbiosecurity law and policy for the protection of DNA and forensic evidence

Forensic science is the application of science to criminal and civil laws, whereby investigations are guided by legal criteria of acceptable evidence. Since DNA profiles is part of forensic identification such as genetic fingerprints, forensic scientists may use them to identify criminals or determine parentage. Apart from forensic purposes, modern biotechnological approaches manipulate genetic material and cell fusion beyond conventional breeding barriers. Scientists were able to insert foreign DNA into another host and even track the transfer of foreign DNA into the following generation using this technological development. These DNA data are then stored in the computer, online or cloud platform. Unfortunately, the use of DNA technology and genetic modification could pose some potential threats to the lab data, both physically and electronically or remote hacking, unfortunately through dual purposes of research and development. This is one of the cyberbiosecurity challenges that could compromise the legitimacy and reliability of forensic evidence presented in court later. Since cyberbiosecurity is a relatively new discipline, this study utilises doctrinal legal research to develop a conceptual model. Alternatively, apart from forensic or evidential purposes, any unauthorised DNA alteration of humans, animals, or plants could have a wider devastative impact on human life and the environment. While forensic science is one of the most essential developments in supplementing or providing evidence in criminal and civil litigation cases, knowing potential cyberbiosecurity concerns, such as manipulation of DNA storage of information is critical. To protect DNA or related biobank data, cyberbiosecurity regulations and policies are required. By having a clearer policy, standard operating procedures, risk assessment and management, rules and regulations, and other safeguards in place, these key areas will be protected. A strong cyberbiosecurity law and policy could protect biobank data, also cyberbiosecurity aspects, submitted to forensic scientists in court, as they would be unable to be questioned about its legitimacy, trustworthiness, or validity. Thus, lab and forensic scientists, as well as regulators, legal practitioners, and enforcers, must have an adequate understanding and awareness of these interwoven legal and ethical problems of cyber, ethics, bioethics, biosecurity, and forensic evidence, ultimately known as cyberbiosecurity laws.

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