Sunday, 19 November 2017

Police can legally use 23andMe, other ancestry tools to obtain your DNA

quote [ WJAX reports companies such as 23andMe and Ancestry would be willing to give police access to your DNA if they have a warrant.

Even more, police could also obtain DNA from a family member to make a "familial match. ]

While this is definitely worrisome to me, i find the healthcare side of it more horrifying. I'm waiting for the first case of an insurance company getting their hands on these records and denying a medical claim, stating the condition was known to the person and they didn't seek treatment.

When you give a genetic testing company your DNA to learn more about your ancestral history, you could also be handing it over to law enforcement.

WJAX reports companies such as 23andMe and Ancestry would be willing to give police access to your DNA if they have a warrant.

Even more, police could also obtain DNA from a family member to make a "familial match."

Although it is possible for police to grab DNA samples from the sites, that information is sometimes difficult to find for those simply looking to learn about their family tree.

"We try to make information available on the website in various forms, so through Frequently Asked Questions, through information in our privacy center," 23andMe's Kate Black told the station.

23andMe says they have yet to turn over any genetic information, but would do so on a case-by-case basis if requested.

The report claims Ancestry complied with a 2014 search warrant to obtain a DNA sample from a site customer.

WJAX also added links to go if you would like to delete your results from the company websites.
[SFW] [Big Brother] [+3]
[by Mythtyn@1:06amGMT]

Comments

Mythtyn said @ 1:08am GMT on 19th Nov
I have not used these services solely due to the potential of abuse. I would love to know what my dna reveals about me, but won't until these issues are cleared up.
Hugh E. said @ 2:27am GMT on 19th Nov
There's really very little issue to clear up on their end. If law enforcement obtains a warrant they will comply. Simple.

Of course, there are plenty of issues with how law enforcement can obtain a warrant.
foobar said @ 8:09am GMT on 19th Nov
The question is not "how would you comply with a warrant if issued," but rather "how have you made it impossible to comply with any warrant you might be issued," and the answer is almost always encryption.

Remember, we have an antagonistic legal system, so any cooperation with police is harmful to yourself and others.
Mythtyn said @ 11:01am GMT on 19th Nov
Don't forget sample storage. All samples given to them should be destroyed within x time.

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