Is It Safe To Get Your DNA Tested?

TL;DR

Commercial genetic testing companies analyze only a small portion of your DNA, posing risks of data security breaches and potential misuse.

Transcript

Hi, this is Kate from MinuteEarth. Recently, a couple of us got our DNA tested. We learned lots of stuff about ourselves from the analysis, but adding our genetic data to all the other personal information currently living on the world's servers also made us wonder: Is that data safe? It turns out that commercial genetic testing companies only anal... Read More

Key Insights

• 💁 Commercial genetic testing companies analyze only a fraction of DNA, but this subset can reveal crucial genetic information.
• ✳️ Risks of genetic data breaches include cloning risks, familial identification, discriminatory practices, and targeted advertising.
• 💁 Password security is vital in safeguarding genetic data and personal information online.
• 😷 Genetic data may be exploited for medical fraud, advertising, employment discrimination, and law enforcement investigations.
• ⚾ Legislation exists in some regions to prevent gene-based discrimination by employers and insurance companies.
• 🔒 Genetic data companies promise data security and can delete collected samples upon request.
• 🔑 Dashlane, a password manager, emphasizes the importance of secure passwords in protecting genetic data.

Questions & Answers

Q: How much of our DNA do commercial genetic testing companies analyze?

These companies analyze only 0.02% of our DNA, highlighting differences between individuals but posing security risks if accessed by malicious parties.

Q: How could someone potentially recreate most of your genetic report from this subset of analyzed DNA?

By comparing this subset with open-source genetic data, individuals could decipher genetic information, familial ties, and potentially even recreate your physical appearance.

Q: What are the potential risks associated with genetic data being sold on the black market?

Genetic data could be exploited for medical fraud, targeted advertising, discriminatory practices by employers and insurance companies, and even law enforcement investigations using genetic databases.

Q: How can individuals protect their genetic data from security breaches?

To safeguard genetic data, individuals should use unique, secure passwords, be cautious in sharing personal information online, and consider working with secure password managers like Dashlane.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Commercial genetic testing companies analyze only 0.02% of DNA, potentially exposing genetic data to security risks.

• Access to this subset of DNA data can reveal genetic information, familial relationships, and potentially lead to discriminatory practices.

• Safeguarding genetic data requires unique, secure passwords and caution in sharing personal information online.