Who owns your DNA?
Genetic data is uniquely vulnerable compared to other forms of sensitive data. By its nature, if your relative has genetic information leaked, that is some of your identifiable information that has also been compromised. Who owns your DNA? The government has yet to establish laws that set clear precedents about the ownership of biological property….
Genetic data is uniquely vulnerable compared to other forms of sensitive data. By its nature, if your relative has genetic information leaked, that is some of your identifiable information that has also been compromised.
Who owns your DNA?
The government has yet to establish laws that set clear precedents about the ownership of biological property. The existence of this legal “grey area” however does not mean that courts have not heard cases involving DNA/tissue ownership. In fact, of those cases presented in court, most rulings have been against the patient.
The interpretation of the courts is that once the DNA/tissue leaves the body, it is no longer the property of the individual. The courts seem to be relying on the informed consent contracts that patients sign before any procedure, which establishes clear guidelines for the future ownership of said materials.
As of now, individuals may seek genetic testing in a medical setting, or through a Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) company, to understand disease risk, ancestry, and/or paternity. There are also many research studies both in the civilian world along with those in the government and military that utilize genetic testing to further our understanding of genetics, healthcare, and diseases.
