UK Should Be Concerned by Chinese Gene Data Harvesting, Lawmaker Says

UK Should Be Concerned by Chinese Gene Data Harvesting, Lawmaker Says
The logo of Chinese gene firm BGI Group is seen at its building in Beijing, on March 25, 2021. Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters
Reuters
Updated:

LONDON—The harvesting of genetic data from millions of women by a Chinese company through prenatal tests is concerning and Britain should debate how privacy can be protected from “surveillance autocracy,” a senior British lawmaker told Reuters.

A Reuters review of scientific papers and company statements found that BGI Group developed the tests in collaboration with the Chinese military and is using them to collect genetic data for sweeping research on the traits of populations.