August 18, 2009 1:43PM 

# The Future of DNA as an Identifier … 

By [Jim Harper](https://www.cato.org/people/jim-harper) 

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… is not in doubt. But as technology advances, it will not be as strong an identifier as it has been up to now. Scientists have demonstrated that [they can fabricate it](http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/18/science/18dna.html).

I wrote about the qualities of identifiers — fixity, distinctiveness, and permanence — in my book *[Identity Crisis](http://www.catostore.org/index.asp?fa=ProductDetails&pid=1441306)*. The ability to fabricate DNA renders it slightly less distinctive.

##### Related Tags 

[Technology and Privacy](https://www.cato.org/technology-privacy) 

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