All children should be removed from the National DNA Database immediately unless they have committed a serious sexual or violent crime, according to new Liberal Democrat plans published today.

The proposals would dramatically increase safeguards for all personal data in the wake of numerous Government and private sector data protection failures.

The Liberal Democrats’ plans include:

Strengthening the role of the Information Commissioner and doubling his budget
Removing under 16s from the DNA database, except those convicted of a violent or sexual offence
Properly informing citizens of opt-outs from government databases
Introducing extensive civil penalties for serious breaches of data security
Commenting, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Baroness (Sue) Miller said:

“We’ve seen no end to this Government’s shambolic approach to data security. Discs lost in the post. Laptops lost on trains. Files left lying around.

“The Government is collecting more and more information about us, but seems utterly incapable of keeping it safe.

“Only the Liberal Democrats have comprehensive proposals to keep private information safe. We will ensure only essential data is stored and that proper systems are in place to prevent its loss or misuse.”

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To read the full document http://www.libdems.org.uk/media/documents/Protecting%20Our%20Privacy.pdf