Private companies access DNA records

LONDON, July 26 (UPI) -- Millions of people's records on Britain's DNA database were covertly given to private firms, official documents indicate.

Documents viewed under the Freedom of Information Act indicate private companies that had police contracts were allowed to access the database five times to create electronic programs, The Daily Telegraph reported Friday.

Officials say the database is an important investigative resource for police.

The profiles of 4.2 million people are available on the database, the British newspaper said. Records indicate about a million of the profiles belong to people who were never found guilty of a crime.

The Telegraph said private firms that accessed the database did not receive the identities of individuals whose records they viewed.

Critics argue the companies had no right to view DNA records without the public's consent.

"It is appalling that these Big Brother practices have been allowed to go on unchecked for so long and with extremely limited ethical standards," Member of Parliament Jenny Willott said.