CRISPR-Cas9 (referred to as CRISPR throughout my discussion post) gene editing is a massive advancement in understanding and manipulating genes but, unless properly regulated, can be an easy and legitimate way to conduct many ethically dubious applications. Concerns stem primarily from gene editing technology, such as altering the DNA and genes of human germline cells and embryos. This also speaks to the ethical concerns surrounding artificially creating and testing on humans, as it goes hand-in-hand with the practice of eugenics. Aside from humans, animals such as cows, pigs, and sheep are subject to the same ethical dilemmas. Although this technology can be used to breed immunity to life-threatening diseases such as HIV\/AIDS, there are far more potential unseen consequences of emerging technology like this, including a review by Hundleby and Harwood in 2018 about the safety of CRISPR and how it relates to food stocks and clinical applications. Every single one of these concerns is valid out of the gate, but its even MORE valid considering that, if any of this information gets into the wrong hands, such as human genes or the formulas needed to synthesize immune cells or “perfect” beings, the consequences could be catastrophic. That’s why cybersecurity is so important in these areas – this is high-vulnerability data that can and will be used maliciously. It is paramount that legislation surrounding this technology includes guidelines for transporting and storing that data, possibly with even stricter compliance than NIST demands for its highest tier – air gapping and Faraday cages for storage would be required at a minimum. This is THE most sensitive of sensitive data.
In conclusion, even though CRISPR editing is touted as one of the most significant accomplishments of the 21st century, it also carries an overwhelming amount of bioethical and cybersecurity concerns including safety, animal welfare and dignity, ecological imbalance, and eugenics informed consent, all under the umbrella of maintaining the sanctity of that data. Malpractice with CRISPR can carry overwhelmingly widespread consequences, including ending entire ecosystems. For this technology to be used properly, there needs to be proper legislation and security guidelines around it.
Source: https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7129066\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
CRISPR-Cas9 (referred to as CRISPR throughout my discussion post) gene editing is a massive advancement in understanding and manipulating genes but, unless properly regulated, can be an easy and legitimate way to conduct many ethically dubious applications. Concerns stem primarily from gene editing technology, such as altering the DNA and genes of human germline cells… <\/p>\n