Privacy Issues in DNA Testing Companies
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy at AncestryYDNA
To use testing services by AncestryDNA, one must first read and agree to the Ancestry.com Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. There are three significant provisions of this policy. Firstly, by submitting DNA samples to AncestryDNA, one agrees that the company also owns their DNA. Also, by agreeing to these terms, AncestryDNA is granted the license to use the DNA (AncestryDNA, 2017) and distribute results to any place in the world using any existing technology. Even so, there is no compensation for this. The company acquires the right to use DNA samples for research and commercial purposes. Similarly, clients can withdraw from AnscetryDNA but on a limited basis. To withdraw, one is required to follow an additional and unspecified procedure that takes 30 days. Also, even after withdrawing, the company does not destroy the DNA samples or delete the obtained data.
In the second provision, AncestryDNA informs that it can take DNA from its clients and their relatives as well. Therefore, it can access the DNA of persons who have not signed up for the company’s services. AncestryDNA warns its customers, in the “Informed Consent” section, that additional information about them or a genetic relative could be revealed. Additionally, insurance companies can be used to deny the client insurance coverage, and in some cases, employers could use the data to deny individual employment. Unfortunately, there are no current federal laws to regulate the use of genetic results/data and genetic discrimination (Winston, 2017). Customers are also warned that data obtained from AncestryDNA could be used by law enforcement agencies to identify them or their relatives.
The third provision is the policy about the waiver of legal rights. This provision informs the customer that AncestryDNA has rights over their relatives’ DNA. By agreeing to this contract, the client also agrees not to hold Ancestry.com (its affiliates, employees, and agents) responsible or harmless for any damages, liabilities, losses, expenses, or any claims. To add on, the clients may be liable if they violate the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Furthermore, many AncestryDNA clients are prohibited from joining together to file a lawsuit against the company. Finally, all the arbitration provisions remain active if after the account is canceled (Winston, 2017).
Conclusion
In summary, it is essential to carefully read the terms and conditions or the terms of service and privacy policy by testing companies, including AncestryDNA. The terms and conditions are concerning, making individuals hesitant to use its products and services. The fact that DNA data obtained from clients or their genetic relatives can be used in law enforcement agencies and that clients are prohibited from filing lawsuits against the company is even more concerning. Although it is not in my place to discourage or encourage anyone from using AncestryDNA, I would highly advise that the terms of service and privacy policy be carefully read and understood before deciding whether to sign up.
References
AncestryDNA. (2017). Setting the Record Straight: Ancestry and Your DNA. Ancestry.com. Retrieved 17 December 2021, from https://www.ancestry.com/corporate/blog/setting-the-record-straight-ancestry-and-your-dna/.
Winston, J. (2017). Ancestry.com takes DNA ownership rights from customers and their relatives. Archive.thinkprogress.org. Retrieved 17 December 2021, from https://archive.thinkprogress.org/ancestry-com-takes-dna-ownership-rights-from-customers-and-their-relatives-dbafeed02b9e/.
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Privacy Issues in DNA Testing Companies
Instructions: Read the following two articles. The second article, by AncestryDNA, is a rebuttal to the
first article:
1. Winston, Joel. “Ancestry.com takes DNA ownership rights from customers and their
relatives. ” ThinkProgress (17 May 2017).
2. AncestryDNA. “Setting the record Straight .” Ancestry Blog (21 May 2017).
Now that you’ve read both sides of this issue, draft a short letter or message of 500 words or more
explaining to your hesitant relative why they should OR should not be concerned about DNA testing at
AncestryDNA.
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