Is it true the government collects your DNA off envelopes ?

Question

Whenever you have an official form to send back to a government agency, the send you a self addressed envelope for the return, which you lick to seal. They then have your DNA matched to the name and address on the envelope. Of course, any member of your family could have licked the envelope, so they keep them all stored as family groups.

JD - in my country that is exactly what they have done. The government recently announced that since 1963 they have kept and stored the blood sample from the blood test every newborn has to check for a deficiency. apparently the form you sign giving permission for the blood test also gave them authority to do this.

http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2003/s890034.htm

Answer 1

haha ... now thats one cool conspiracy theory. Lucky for me that i use my dog to lick my envelopes...

Answer 2

Yes

And the mail man wears special gloves so as not to add his/her dna to the envelope.

Dude, roll another joint and go back to sleep.

Probably 20 or 30 sets of hands touch the envelope and for all the government knows anybody could have sent the envelope to them.

Answer 3

yep, the government has nothing better to do than collect DNA from what 3 million people? Come on, that is insane.

If you are REALLY worried, have your dog lick the envelope, or use a glue stick, or water, or tape. Then if the government IS collecting your information, you will have fooled Uncle Sam! Ingenious! ::evil laughter::

Answer 4

That's only a part of a systematic effort to catalog every one in the US. Within 5 years, we'll have the National ID Act implemented, with photos and fingerprints. That is a reality of what we, as Americans, will have to face for the sake of Homeland Security. If another major terrorist attack occurs, don't be surprised if we have some sort of limited martial law. I'm being totally serious.

Answer 5

DNA testing is costly and time consuming. Government agencies have gotten DNA from common items like envelopes when investigating suspects but don't waste their time collecting DNA from everyone. Wouldn't it just be easier for them to get blood samples from newborns? Seriously, find something else to worry about.

Answer 6

so you need to have a neighbor lick your envelopes. Better yet, have your pets, dogs or cats lick them and that will really through off the govt.

See how fast the guys in black cars start to appear on your block!

Answer 7

solid question. i ought to work out the two damaging and useful impacts from a software which includes this. On one hand, it may be an enfringement on very own privateness to stress each American to pass into the database. on the different hand, it may be valuable to police and regulation enforcement if that they had a database for DNA for all human beings. it could make it extra common to capture criminals. i think of that we ought to continuously no longer provide up very own privateness interior the call of nationwide risk-free practices. for this reason, i could say that's a foul concept. very reminiscent of the present use of warrantless wiretaps via the Bush administration.

Answer 8

the government does not. How many people do you think even get a government envelope? I have never. If you are that paranoid use a sponge to dampen your envelope.

Answer 9

why would they want my five year olds DNA. The Patriot Act has gone to far!

Answer 10

Ok...thankx for letting us know...I will never lick a stamp or envelope again, no matter what !!..........have a nice day......