Thanks for sharing this story and for the eye-opening episode. I have never submitted my DNA online. However, I did provide a blood sample for a DNA test to determine whether or not I was a carrier of a breast cancer gene mutation. The test concluded I was, which came as no surprise given the fact that I had been diagnosed myself in the late ‘90s and my family history (father and sister carry the same BRCA2 mutation). My two children were recently tested for it, and sadly one of them has inherited it from me). Our genetic tests were carried out by three different health institutions in Europe - two internationally-renowned private cancer research and cancer treatment centres, and one a government-funded national screening lab. Would these institutions covertly share my family’s DNA info with law enforcement or insurance agencies? We had only agreed to share our DNA test results for cancer research purposes. Thanks for your selfless contribution to online safety!
First I’m sorry to hear that your child inherited the gene, that’s information I’m sure you never wanted to get. Second with something like that I would not worry especially being in Europe. Europe is mostly protected by very stringent privacy policies and especially where they were research facilities they are under even higher scrutiny. In my opinion you have nothing to worry about there.
Thank you for the info. Bummed that I uploaded my DNA, but I guess it is what it is.
Thanks for sharing this story and for the eye-opening episode. I have never submitted my DNA online. However, I did provide a blood sample for a DNA test to determine whether or not I was a carrier of a breast cancer gene mutation. The test concluded I was, which came as no surprise given the fact that I had been diagnosed myself in the late ‘90s and my family history (father and sister carry the same BRCA2 mutation). My two children were recently tested for it, and sadly one of them has inherited it from me). Our genetic tests were carried out by three different health institutions in Europe - two internationally-renowned private cancer research and cancer treatment centres, and one a government-funded national screening lab. Would these institutions covertly share my family’s DNA info with law enforcement or insurance agencies? We had only agreed to share our DNA test results for cancer research purposes. Thanks for your selfless contribution to online safety!
First I’m sorry to hear that your child inherited the gene, that’s information I’m sure you never wanted to get. Second with something like that I would not worry especially being in Europe. Europe is mostly protected by very stringent privacy policies and especially where they were research facilities they are under even higher scrutiny. In my opinion you have nothing to worry about there.
Thank you - much appreciated!
Thank you for the confirmation. Now I know why this heritage dna search felt off for me
This was a huge nope for me. No way I'm voluntarily giving the feds my DNA.