Genomes Unzipped: Why I’m releasing my genetic data online

Daniel MacAuthur of Genomes Unzipped explains:

I summarised some of the key motivations for members of the group in my Unzipped announcement post:

• we want to share the results of scientific analysis of our own genomes, and as proponents of open data access most of us believe that doing good science means releasing complete data for others to investigate;
• we hope that releasing our data publicly will help to guide useful discussions about genetic privacy and the benefits, risks and limitations of genetic information in general;
• many of us believe that the ideal resource for genetic research is large open-access, non-anonymous research databases such as the Personal Genome Project, and that sharing linked genetic and trait information openly with the wider community is a public good - and we hope that our own experiences will encourage others to participate in open research projects;
• we all believe that many of the fears expressed about the dangers of genetic information are exaggerated, and see this project as an opportunity to have a constructive public discussion about the truth behind these fears;
• given the ease with which a dedicated snoop could obtain genetic information surreptitiously (via shed skin, hair or saliva, for instance), some of us argue that the whole notion of genetic privacy is illusory anyway - while releasing our data online makes it easier for people to get hold of it, this is a difference of degree rather than kind.

Full post at Genetic Future | Original post at Genomes Unzipped

In the past, while trying to encourage my friends, family, and web-readers to be tested at FamilyTreeDNA, about half of the time I'm met with fear and/or suspicion... typically regarding ways Ha-satawn/the-Adversary (or his globalist nwo agents), Insurance companies, or another mad man like Hitler... might use our DNA against us. The fears sometimes resonate with things you might see in an X-men or Tesla movie. However, I've tried to answer those concerns with statements like Genomes Unzipped made in the last point from above:

...given the ease with which a dedicated snoop could obtain genetic information surreptitiously (via shed skin, hair or saliva, for instance), some of us argue that the whole notion of genetic privacy is illusory anyway - while releasing our data online makes it easier for people to get hold of it, this is a difference of degree rather than kind.

Most people still think it takes needles and the drawing of  blood to obtain one's genetic data, but in fact... to be tested at most all genetic testing companies today, it only takes a cheek swab or tube of saliva. This is actually all that was required for my own personal FamilyTreeDNA and 23andMe tests.

It is strikingly easy.

Stealing your genetic information would be easier than stealing your car. But would you refuse to understand and drive your car out of fear that someone might steal it from you?

My slightly longer tirade on this subject can be found here: Should we fear Genealogy-based DNA testing?

Hanok ben-Isaak

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