Comments on: Who Owns My DNA?

By: Alan Pryor

Alan Pryor — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 22:25:36 +0000

Although your DNA within 23and Me could be potentially kept private, your DNA (and everyone elses) is essentially like a license plate, an almost meaningless string until it is linked with other databases with your name, address, potentially criminal or just arrest record, health information, and so forth. There is little we can do to keep that license plate within 23and Me. What potential damage we might suffer when these links are made is uncertain to me now, but the risk is real.

By: Barry Starr

Barry Starr — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:59:26 +0000

It definitely does complicate things. My lack of ability to learn is amazing…I am sorely tempted to send my data to decodeme to test their interface for my loyal readers!

By: Salvador

Salvador — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 23:30:07 +0000

As you point out Barry, 23andMe has indeed been letting been letting people go so they look vulnerable too. I was recently forwarded this link by my friend: www decodeme com / data-upload

I guess this complicates the question of who owns the data!

By: John Fiorentino

John Fiorentino — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:59:19 +0000

I just have a few, admittedly cynical remarks about much of this…………

1. Be careful what you wish for.

2. The old Chinese proverb (actually a curse)……May you live in interesting times.

I should say, those times are here.

By: Barry

Barry — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:34:50 +0000

Interesting…targeted spam based on my genetic weaknesses.

By: Steve Ryan

Steve Ryan — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:32:32 +0000

I could imagine the DNA info begin used for advertising. Tendency for high cholesterol? Ads for drugs to fight that. Tendency toward violent behavior? Ads for weapons and bail bonds. The list could go on…

By: Barry

Barry — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:05:17 +0000

Thanks Bob, I missed that...23andMe did indeed lay people off. My worries just moved from niggling to nagging.

By: bob

bob — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:54:25 +0000

just FYI, 23andMe just got done laying off an unspecified number of people…large enough that it made the wires…