Chinese ID cards to carry genetic sample

The next generation of chip-carrying Chinese identity cards will reportedly include a genetic fingerprint of its holder.

As well as name, place of birth, current address and nationality, the card will carry an 18-digit code representing a citizen's genetic code, based on DNA from a blood, hair or cell sample, according to a report from French news service transfert.net.

While the Chinese government has stated that the data won't be made available to any other government bodies except the law authorities and won't be cross-referenced with other information, the plans to include a genetic tag on Chinese identity cards have worried human rights groups, who see the move as another attempt by the government to introduce new means of tracking citizens and repressing dissidents.

The Chinese government has claimed the cards are necessary to protect the identities of citizens.

The cards will be rolled out in the course of next year, after the law authorising their introduction is passed in January 2004, and will be manufactured by companies including the French firm Thales.