Legal Responses to Emerging Biotechnologies: Regulating Genetic Data and Biotechnology in the Digital Age

Abstract

This article explores the legal challenges and ethical considerations surrounding the regulation of genetic data and biotechnologies in the digital age. As advancements in biotechnology—such as genetic editing, genetic testing, and synthetic biology—rapidly evolve, the need for robust legal frameworks to protect genetic data becomes increasingly urgent. This review examines key privacy concerns, the ownership of genetic data, and the cross-border challenges in regulating genomic information. It also considers the intersections of biotechnology with human rights, particularly the right to privacy, non-discrimination, and access to genetic information. Ethical issues such as genetic discrimination, eugenics, and the commodification of human life are analyzed in the context of the evolving biotechnological landscape. Through a comprehensive review of international and regional legal frameworks, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), the article compares existing approaches to genetic data protection and highlights regulatory gaps. Furthermore, it addresses the need for future legal reforms to balance innovation and regulation, ensuring that individuals’ rights are protected while fostering responsible technological progress. Ultimately, the review offers recommendations for improving informed consent standards, enhancing privacy protections, and establishing clearer frameworks for genetic data ownership, emphasizing the importance of aligning legal responses with the pace of biotechnological innovation. This article provides critical insights into the complex relationship between law and biotechnology and its implications for policymakers and stakeholders in the digital age.