That kind of data is very valuable to insurance companies, employers, police. In the world where everything is posted online, it is very easy to use genes to classify, such as denying loans or increasing insurance prices . In the future, if gene data is increasingly popular, people can pay to read someone's genetic data like we read a person's criminal record now. Of course the police or companies will not want to work with hackers but it is unclear where the data comes from, there is always a black market to buy and sell this information.
Another problem is the ability of wrong tests and testers to produce fake results. Even blood tests are sometimes wrong. Tests of 23andMe are FDA approved but there are many other facilities that work freely. Suppose you received a false report, not many people were able to read, understand and correct.
The Equifax hack last year showed loose sanctions when data leaks. Genetic data leakage is more important than many credit cards. You can change card numbers, addresses and other information, but not genes. Genetic information is also often shared voluntarily. 'For example, if I do not use 23andMe, but my brother uses it, it is possible that my gene is also searchable'.
Ram said that it is necessary to consider for genetic testing companies to protect customer information and avoid data leakage. Currently, the patient's genetic test results are not protected under HIPAA (Health Insurance Accountability and Liability Act).
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