Genetic trophy hunters, beware. From Friday next week it will be illegal in the UK to covertly analyse someone’s DNA. The Human Genetics Commission (HGC), which advises the UK government, says that such an act constitutes a “gross intrusion” on their privacy.

“Until now there was nothing to stop an unscrupulous journalist from secretly taking an everyday object used by a public figure – for example, a coffee mug – get a DNA sample from it, have it analysed and then publish their genetic information,” says Helena Kennedy, who chairs the HGC.

When former US president Bill Clinton visited a pub in …