This idea has been created by the Scrutinise team as a historical case study. It represents real legislation that reached the statute book through civil society advocacy. It is presented here to show how that process might have looked on Scrutinise.
Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
Regulated CCTV use by public authorities, required destruction of innocent people's DNA profiles from the national database, and restricted wheel-clamping on private land. Big Brother Watch built the evidence base for DNA database reform following the Marper v UK ECHR ruling.
Summary
Regulated CCTV use by public authorities, required destruction of innocent people's DNA profiles from the national database, and restricted wheel-clamping on private land. Big Brother Watch built the evidence base for DNA database reform following the Marper v UK ECHR ruling.
Challenge (summary)
The UK had the largest DNA database per capita of any democracy, retaining profiles of millions of people never convicted of any offence. Following Marper v UK (2008), the European Court found this violated the right to privacy.
Approach (summary)
Bring UK DNA retention practice into compliance with the ECHR ruling by requiring destruction of profiles of unconvicted individuals, while retaining profiles of those convicted of serious offences.
First step (summary)
Introduce legislation requiring the deletion of DNA profiles, fingerprints and cellular samples from innocent people unless specifically authorised for retention by a chief constable in exceptional circumstances.