The Rise of Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing
Genetic testing has, indeed, become popular among consumers. Individuals tend to use such services with the purpose of finding out more about their proneness to certain conditions as well as determining their ancestry. While companies operating in these industries are able to fulfill the aforementioned consumer needs for knowledge, such an approach to genetic testing has been a topic of debate. It is ethically unambiguous whether companies that specialize in such services can or cannot sell data.
Privacy Concerns: What Companies Can Do with Your Data
Organizations can use the acquired information in a variety of ways. For example, they could share it with researchers or analyze it themselves for certain statistics, as exemplified by the company 23andMe, which published that 75% of their client base is of European descent (Koplin et al., 2022). Simultaneously, in case the content is shared with an organization that is not reputable or has malicious intent, people’s private information can be used unethically or publicly disclosed without prior permission from the owner. Patients have rights when it comes to confidentiality and privacy (Fremgen, 2020). Such considerations, however, are often attributed to medical facilities. It can be argued that if data is not attached to a name, it only holds scientific value.
Ethical Considerations: Selling Consumer Genetic Data
Companies should not sell such information without the permission of their customers, who would have to be informed and agree to the policy. Researchers are to discuss the use of private information with the person who can either accept or deny access. Needless to say, the benefits of such studies include potential new discoveries in medical research as well as the ability to have a more diverse understanding of the differences among different people (Koplin et al., 2022). Currently, such initiatives typically involve a predominantly European-centered health review.
Online DNA Databases: Risks and Benefits
Additionally, parents should not post their child’s DNA profile online as they cannot give consent due to their age. As exemplified prior, such matters can only be addressed ethically via full disclosure, transparency, and access provided by a party who is aware of the implications.
References
Fremgen, B. F. (2020). Medical law and ethics. Pearson.
Koplin, J. J., Skeggs, J., & Gyngell, C. (2022). Ethics of buying DNA. Journal of Bioethical Inquiry, 19(3), 395–406. Web.