HRW documents Xinjiang’s population-wide biometric collection

Human Rights Watch reported that Xinjiang authorities were collecting DNA samples, fingerprints, iris scans and blood types from residents aged 12 to 65. Its investigation drew on government population-registration guidelines and found that DNA and blood-type collection used the Physicals for All health programme. The data was linked to national identification numbers. HRW said the documents provided no indication of an opt-out or informed-consent requirement.