China Is Vacuuming Up DNA Samples From Xinjiang's Muslims

buzzfeed ^ | Megha Rajagopalan

[BenLurkin]

From DNA samples to iris scans, Chinese authorities are using free physical exams to gather and store biological data from millions of people who live in the country's far west region of Xinjiang, Human Rights Watch said on Wednesday, citing an official document that suggests the government's surveillance program in the region is even wider than previously believed.

Xinjiang, the historical home of the Uighur ethnic group, has become a testing ground for heavy-handed, high-tech surveillance measures by the government over the past year. China says the measures are necessary to combat extremist violence, but critics say they violate the basic privacy rights of millions of people, particularly ethnic minorities.

...

Everyone who lives in the Muslim-majority Xinjiang, and is between the ages of 12 and 65, is being targeted for their biometrics, says the document, which was posted on the website of a local government located in the region. But for those deemed to be threatening the stability of the government and their families — a broad category that could include people who criticize the government or engage in religious practices — the data is being collected regardless of age. It's unclear what period of time the program spans, though the document appears to have been circulated in July.

Authorities are making house calls to collect the data and setting up "collection points" in the region, the document says. The DNA information is sent to police for "profiling," it adds, saying the program's goal is to verify the size of the region's population.

[SauronOfMordor]

As a means of control, it sounds workable. Being able to identify somebody suspected of “crimes against the State” AND know who all his close relatives are as potential targets for reprisals, would do a lot.

I personally think the suicide bombers are depressed, and dying in jihad is the only acceptable way of suicide. If jihad activities mean that every male in your clan is killed, and all the females shipped off to brothels, families might be less enthused about potential jihadis among them.

[SunkenCiv]

That wouldn't work in the US, because it would make it impossible to pass off thugs from, say, Ferguson MO, as "good boys".

[bert]

——the basic privacy rights-—

There is no such right in China.

One wonders if there is really such a right in America.