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Regulating DNA Fingerprinting in India

By Rebant Juyal, Indraprastha University, Delhi

I. Introduction

Human DNA(Deoxyribonucleic Acid), is the fundamental genetic blueprint of the person. It is hereditary and responsible for the characteristics of the person.[1] The advanced biotechnology enabling the study & exploration of DNA has fundamentally revolutionized the world. DNA today can be modified[2], engineered[3], patented[4] and fingerprinted[5]. DNA Fingerprinting is one of the most revolutionized techniques to analyse DNA of individuals.[6] DNA fingerprinting (DNA Profiling /Typing /Testing)[7] is a form of DNA forensic technology that is used to identify persons by analysing the unique patterns within their DNA.[8] About 99.9% of DNA of two individuals is the same[9], however, 0.1% of DNA is unique to every individual, which results in all forms of variations in physical appearances among individuals[10] and makes DNA of every individual distinct, with exceptions to identical twins[11].

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The Importance of Language: Autonomous Weapon Systems vs Weapon Systems With Autonomous Functions

By Clea Strydom 

I.  Introduction

States and corporations are utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to create more ‘intelligent’ weapon systems with autonomous functions. The international community is divided on whether or not this development in technology is positive. There are many who have called for fully autonomous weapon systems to be banned;[1] while others feel that this reaction is going too far and stands in the way of ‘progressive’ development.[2] The prevalent terms used by NGOs, researchers, academics, as well as the States and International Organizations to label weapons that can perform tasks autonomously is Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWS) or Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS).[3] However, there is to date no universally accepted definition for these labels,[4] or any agreement on what constitutes such a weapon. The terms are misleading and ambiguous and often conjure up images of rogue killer robots. This article postulates that in order to have a rational debate about these weapon systems, the AWS and LAWS labels need to be discarded in favour of more accurate descriptors.

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International Law Governance of Autonomous Weapon Systems And The Turn To Ethics

By Dr. Thompson Chengeta,

Faculty of Social Science, University of Southampton

I.  Introduction

The cutting-edge technology of autonomous weapon systems (AWS) – robotic weapons that once activated, are able to make the decision as to who to target or harm without any further human intervention or control[1] – presents several legal, ethical, and security challenges.  There is no agreement among states on how this emerging technology should be governed. Do we need new laws or are existing ones adequate?  If existing laws are inadequate to govern AWS, should the international community turn to ethics to fill the gaps? These are the questions that are answered in this piece.

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