https://en.people.cn/n3/2026/0526/c90000-20460288.html

China’s Ministry of Science and Technology has issued ethical guidelines for human genetic data research, aiming to protect the legitimate rights and interests of research participants and related groups.

According to the guidelines, human genetic data refers to various types of data obtained from human biological samples such as cells, tissues, organs, bodily fluids and secretions that can directly reflect human genetic information.

According to the guidelines, scientific activities involving human genetic data should adhere to the basic principles of promoting well-being, respecting autonomy, controlling risks, doing no harm and preventing abuse, as well as ensuring fairness and justice.

Such activities should aim to promote human health, improve disease prevention and treatment, and enhance public interests and human well-being.

The principles of scientific rationality, legitimate purpose and minimal necessity should be followed, while the legitimate rights and interests of individuals should be respected and protected.

The guidelines also note that those engaged in scientific activities related to human genetic data should strengthen the protection of genetic privacy. Data mining or utilization shall not be conducted for the purpose of violating privacy.

Throughout the entire process of scientific research and technological development, corresponding privacy protection measures should be implemented based on the sensitivity of the data and the level of risk, according to the guidelines.