EXCLUSIVE: Pentagon warns military members that consumer DNA kits pose ‘personal and operational risks’ by JennaMC_Laugh & zachsdorfman
A growing number of companies like 23andMe and Ancestry sell testing kits that allow buyers to get a DNA profile by sending in a cheek swab or saliva sample. The DNA results provide consumers information on their ancestry, insights into possible medical risks and can even identify previously unknown family members.
“These [direct-to-consumer] genetic tests are largely unregulated and could expose personal and genetic information, and potentially create unintended security consequences and increased risk to the joint force and mission,” states the memo. Erin Murphy, a professor at New York University’s School of Law, says she’s heard about concerns that a foreign government with suspicions about someone operating inside their country — like a potential spy — could use a commercial genetic database to unmask the person. “It all boils down to the same basic idea,” she says. “In a world in which a few stray cells can be used to identify a person, there is no such thing as a covert action, and no such thing as anonymity.
“Protecting our customers’ privacy and being good stewards of their data is Ancestry’s highest priority. Ancestry does not share customer DNA data with insurers, employers, or third-party marketers,” the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “Ancestry will also not share customer personal information with law enforcement unless compelled to by valid legal process, such as a court order or search warrant.
The Pentagon’s concerns about genetics and surveillance might be viewed by some as ironic, since the Defense Department has its own massive repository of DNA. Following the 1991 Gulf War, the Pentagon began a mandatory DNA collection program for members of the military in order to identify remains of someone killed in conflict.
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
What's in your pee? A smart toilet could revolutionize personal health but also pose privacy risksScientists are designing a toilet they believe can revolutionize personal health. Users could detect diseases in urine early. But what about privacy?
Lire la suite »
Exclusive: Phrase ‘White Nationalists’ Cut From Measure To Screen Military EnlisteesA measure in the National Defense Authorization Act meant to keep white nationalists out of the U.S. military no longer mentions “white nationalists” after Congress quietly altered the text after it initially passed the House
Lire la suite »
The 9 Best Gifts to Bring to a White Elephant PartyFrom a Game of Thrones-themed cookbook to Netflix binge-watching survival kit.
Lire la suite »