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Pentagon To Soldiers: Don't Use Consumer DNA Test Kits
The Pentagon has warned service members to avoid using readily available DNA test kits as they could be a threat. Over the last few years, home DNA kits have become big business allowing people to send in a sample and get back a variety of information about their background. More recently, there’s been an increase in the awareness of the privacy issues surrounding handing over your most personal of data.
Companies like Ancestry and 23andMe have established themselves as go-to options for many people. Between the two companies, they claim to service more than 23 million users. These companies sell kits that allow individuals to extract their own DNA sample and then send it off for testing. In return, the companies provide various health and ancestry information about the person. What is done with the data after this point has started to raise concerns by privacy advocates, and now, the Pentagon.
In a memo sent out to military service members, Pentagon officials are warning direct-to-consumer genetic tests should be avoided. The memo states it is issuing the guidance due to the fact some DNA companies are looking to appeal to service members by offering a military discount. However, the memo then goes on to explain that the industry is not only unregulated, but could also potentially be a threat. Not only to individuals, but also to national security at an operational level. Further adding to the criticisms, the Pentagon also questions the accuracy of the testing in the first place.
Is A DNA Test Warning To Military Members Also A Warning To Consumers?
The Pentagon warning service personnel to avoid the use of DNA kits could be interpreted as a warning to the general public as well. While the memo does touch on possible implications to the “joint force,” it also raises concerns that are likely to affect anyone who uses these services. For example, the memo highlights the scientific community is becoming increasingly concerned over how this type of data is being used by outside parties. In fact, the memo specifically explains the concern that the data acquired is potentially being used for purposes such as mass surveillance and as a means to “track individuals without their authorization or awareness.”
As is to be expected, both Ancestry and 23andMe have come out in defense of their products since the memo became publicly available. Both state confidence in the accuracy of their testing and how seriously they take customer privacy. Both companies stated that personal data is not shared with any third parties or law enforcement. That is, not shared with law enforcement unless they are compelled to do so by a court order or a search warrant, according to Ancestry.
The last point is one that should be taken as a warning in itself. Regardless of whether companies are sharing personal user data with third-parties, this is usable data. Arguably, some of the most usable data when it comes to identifying a person, their health history or their potential healthcare needs in the future. In other words, it is highly valuable data - and that’s not something that should be handed over easily. Companies who offer DNA analysis can provide information that is invaluable, and in some cases, life-saving to consumers. However, there are plenty of DNA analysis companies to choose from. Many of which are not currently coming under the scrutiny of the scientific community, or for that matter, the Pentagon.
