YOUTHGEN Project

Description

In the rapidly advancing technological landscape, the YOUTHGEN project addresses the challenges associated with the materialization of individuals' genetic information through technologies like gene editing and genetic forensics. While these advancements offer unprecedented opportunities, they also bring potential risks such as genetic data theft, privacy breaches, and unforeseen consequences of genetically modified treatments. In response to these challenges, the project introduces the concept of "Genetic Rights" – the inherent rights of individuals to protect their genetic data, encompassing privacy, possession, and property aspects of genetic information and materials. The core issue at hand is the lack of information among young people about how their genetic information may be utilized, stored, and materialized in the modern age. Recognizing the urgency, the project aims to educate and empower young individuals who are the primary beneficiaries of these technological advancements. It underscores the need to equip them with the knowledge and tools required to navigate the intricate interplay of genetics, digital rights, and law. The project's initiative revolves around providing young individuals with a comprehensive understanding of their genetic rights, considering the implications of technologies such as gene editing, genetic forensics, and bio-banking. This becomes particularly crucial in the context of the ongoing digital transformation of health and care in the EU. The project seeks to empower citizens by ensuring secure health data and providing digital tools that facilitate a deeper understanding and safeguarding of genetic rights. The YOUTHGEN project overarching goal is to foster a generation well-versed in the protection of their genetic rights, empowering young minds to navigate the complexities of genetics, digital rights, and law in the digital era.