New Scientist Teams With GPPC To Investigate Surreptitious DNA Testing

Main Category: Genetics
Article Date: 23 Jan 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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For the past few months, the Genetics and Public Policy Center has been working with reporters at the magazine New Scientist investigating "surreptitious DNA testing" - the collection, analysis, and potential public disclosure of genetic information without a person's consent. The Center's analysis forms part of the magazine's lead story in its series, "Who Is Testing Your DNA?" appearing in the January 24 issue.

While the total number of stealthy DNA tests being conducted is unclear, interviews with genetic testing companies indicate that thousands are being run each year in the U.S. alone, New Scientist reports. In the U.K., such tests are already illegal. In the U.S. - the largest market for genetic tests - there is no federal law clarifying people's right to privacy with regard to "abandoned" DNA, New Scientist explains. And even though a small minority of states have passed laws that might outlaw aspects of infidelity or discreet paternity testing, "extensive enquiries by New Scientist have uncovered no evidence that they have been used against firms running these tests," the special investigative report concludes.

"Even if you are talking about someone engaged in behavior that you may find dishonorable, this doesn't mean that person should be automatically stripped of all privacy," Gail Javitt, law and policy director with GPPC, told the magazine. Javitt led the GPPC team that analyzed U.S. laws.

The Center also has prepared a package of background materials on surreptitious DNA testing, including an issue brief and the full analysis of U.S. state laws regarding surreptitious DNA testing.

http://www.DNApolicy.org