Privacy and Ancestry.com DNA: would you do this?

[catherine]

My DIL was considering an Ancestry DNA test, but they have the following Terms and Conditions.

Would you submit to this test? Is there any reason to be concerned about possible nefarious use of your DNA? (Like to track you down for ethnic cleansing purposes?--only half joking here) It says you are not identified by name, but.

By sending in a DNA sample for testing, you represent that you are eighteen (18) years of age or older. In addition, you represent that any sample you submit is either your DNA or the DNA of a person for whom you are a legal guardian or have obtained legal authorization to provide their DNA to AncestryDNA. By submitting DNA samples to AncestryDNA, you give permission to AncestryDNA to extract the DNA from the samples, perform genetic tests on the DNA using test methods available now and developed in the future, to disclose the results of the tests performed to you and others that you authorize, to store the samples for additional genetic testing and archiving purposes, and to store the results of the DNA tests in accordance with this Agreement and with the AncestryDNA Privacy Statement. AncestryDNA does not claim any ownership rights in the DNA that is submitted for testing. Any genetic information derived from the DNA continues to belong to the person who submitted the DNA sample, subject only to the rights granted to AncestryDNA in this Agreement. Any DNA sample submitted to us cannot be returned and shall be stored by AncestryDNA or its agents. In addition, you understand that by providing any DNA to us, you acquire no rights in any research or commercial products that may be developed by AncestryDNA that may relate to or otherwise embody your DNA.

By submitting DNA to AncestryDNA, you grant AncestryDNA and the Ancestry Group Companies a perpetual, royalty-free, world-wide, transferable license to use your DNA, and any DNA you submit for any person from whom you obtained legal authorization as described in this Agreement, and to use, host, sublicense and distribute the resulting analysis to the extent and in the form or context we deem appropriate on or through any media or medium and with any technology or devices now known or hereafter developed or discovered. You hereby release AncestryDNA from any and all claims, liens, demands, actions or suits in connection with the DNA sample, the test or results thereof, including, without limitation, errors, omissions, claims for defamation, invasion of privacy, right of publicity, emotional distress or economic loss. This license continues even if you stop using the Website or the Service.

[rodeosweetheart]

My DIL was considering an Ancestry DNA test, but they have the following Terms and Conditions.

Would you submit to this test? Is there any reason to be concerned about possible nefarious use of your DNA? (Like to track you down for ethnic cleansing purposes?--only half joking here) It says you are not identified by name, but.

By sending in a DNA sample for testing, you represent that you are eighteen (18) years of age or older. In addition, you represent that any sample you submit is either your DNA or the DNA of a person for whom you are a legal guardian or have obtained legal authorization to provide their DNA to AncestryDNA. By submitting DNA samples to AncestryDNA, you give permission to AncestryDNA to extract the DNA from the samples, perform genetic tests on the DNA using test methods available now and developed in the future, to disclose the results of the tests performed to you and others that you authorize, to store the samples for additional genetic testing and archiving purposes, and to store the results of the DNA tests in accordance with this Agreement and with the AncestryDNA Privacy Statement. AncestryDNA does not claim any ownership rights in the DNA that is submitted for testing. Any genetic information derived from the DNA continues to belong to the person who submitted the DNA sample, subject only to the rights granted to AncestryDNA in this Agreement. Any DNA sample submitted to us cannot be returned and shall be stored by AncestryDNA or its agents. In addition, you understand that by providing any DNA to us, you acquire no rights in any research or commercial products that may be developed by AncestryDNA that may relate to or otherwise embody your DNA.

By submitting DNA to AncestryDNA, you grant AncestryDNA and the Ancestry Group Companies a perpetual, royalty-free, world-wide, transferable license to use your DNA, and any DNA you submit for any person from whom you obtained legal authorization as described in this Agreement, and to use, host, sublicense and distribute the resulting analysis to the extent and in the form or context we deem appropriate on or through any media or medium and with any technology or devices now known or hereafter developed or discovered. You hereby release AncestryDNA from any and all claims, liens, demands, actions or suits in connection with the DNA sample, the test or results thereof, including, without limitation, errors, omissions, claims for defamation, invasion of privacy, right of publicity, emotional distress or economic loss. This license continues even if you stop using the Website or the Service.

I already did the test, before seein gthis. My dil wanted it for her birthday, but then I found out about this disclaimer and now she thinks she doesn't want to do it.

I have found it very, very accurate, and connecting me to lots of cousins that I know I should be related to from the geneology books.

[Ultralight]

Both my parents did this.

[iris lilies]

Sure, I would do it if interested in the results.

This is not the government collecting it. That would be a different issue.

[ToomuchStuff]

Not sure how the government collecting it would be much different then giving it to big business and their massive data collection, that they can use to market to us, or sell/license the data to the government, would be much different.http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/hand-gestures/scratching-head-smiley-emoticon.gif (http://www.sherv.net/)
I see where as they gather data, eventually as an example, people with the genetic marker for breast cancer, start to get flyers in the mail for mamograms, massectomy's, etc. based on that marker. Going further then that, what if you run the risk of having a special needs kid and when you reach a target age for your income, they start sending you information about abortion, prenatal genetic testing, etc. The more data they get, the more accurate they will get and there will be new ways to study and use this data that wasn't conceived when you agreed.
Then again, I am biased, knowing all too well where I came from.

[iris lilies]

Not sure how the government collecting it would be much different then giving it to big business and their massive data collection, that they can use to market to us, or sell/license the data to the government, would be much different.http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/hand-gestures/scratching-head-smiley-emoticon.gif (http://www.sherv.net/)
I see where as they gather data, eventually as an example, people with the genetic marker for breast cancer, start to get flyers in the mail for mamograms, massectomy's, etc. based on that marker. Going further then that, what if you run the risk of having a special needs kid and when you reach a target age for your income, they start sending you information about abortion, prenatal genetic testing, etc. The more data they get, the more accurate they will get and there will be new ways to study and use this data that wasn't conceived when you agreed.
Then again, I am biased, knowing all too well where I came from.
Well sure, bad thngs can be done with ANY data, and this data s hghly persnal. And agreed that the Ancestry statement above is wide open n their favor.

But I still would d t, if interested in the outcome. I dnt see the threat as bigger than the reward at ths point in time.

[ToomuchStuff]

So I might have to start calling you Henrietta Lacks.

[JaneV2.0]

I immediately thought of Henrietta Lacks and her immortal cells, ToomuchStuff! I'm willing to take the risk, as I'll be under ground before they come up with some nefarious use for the data. I'm sure we'll all have our DNA on record before long, and I'm kind of excited by the prospect.

[bae]

If you are concerned about the privacy issue, use a fake identity.

[Ultralight]

If you are concerned about the privacy issue, use a fake identity.

Or a fake sample.

[lessisbest]

I took the DNA test several years ago from Ancestry. I did give the collection of DNA some thought, but was so curious I decided - who really cares? Anyone can get my DNA at any time just digging through our trash, so what's the big deal. They do compare tests with others and will alert you to a potential relative - since that's the business they are in..... There was a recent story about sisters who were separated when they were young, how they found each other through the Ancestry DNA test. In that case, that was wonderful!

My test results:

57% Scandinavian
27% Eastern European
18% Central Europe
2% Unknown

I was trying to discover whether my Eastern European family may have been Mongolian (Asian).

[JaneV2.0]

In the TLC program Long Lost Family, they've used it to reunite adoptees with their birth families. In Finding Your Roots, they discovered--using DNA tests--that one of their subjects wasn't really related to the woman he thought was his grandmother, and also identified a whole new branch of Henry Louis Gates' family. This researcher is doing fascinating work: http://www.yourgeneticgenealogist.com/

[JaneV2.0]

...

My test results:

57% Scandinavian
27% Eastern European
18% Central Europe
2% Unknown

I was trying to discover whether my Eastern European family may have been Mongolian (Asian).

I was kind of hoping to be related to Genghis Khan, too. But alas...:cool:

[ApatheticNoMore]

not sure how the government collecting it would be much different then giving it to big business and their massive data collection, that they can use to market to us, or sell/license the data to the government, would be much different.

actually they are often close to the same thing, the links are often there, less than 7 degrees of separation. So there's another DNA testing company 23 and me, founded by the ex-wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin and in Mountainview. Google's links to the government are pretty clear (the Snowden docs showed the collaboration), although many of the links are more Erich Schmidt the CEO of Google, who is now contracting with the Pentagon as well, than cofounder Sergey Brin. I've documented this at more length - 23 and me - ties to google - ties to the government (hint: read Julian Assange on Google) but meh maybe I don't care that much at this point. Ok but that's 23 and me, what about Ancestry.com? I really don't know, I think at a certain point you can generalize about the relationships you are likely to find but ...

I'd say using a fake identity is the way to go, or else don't do it, or else don't worry about loss of privacy (basically assume IT WILL happen and decide if it's worth it).

[LDAHL]

I think they should go further than make statistically based guesses about which regions my forebears wandered through. I'm interested in how much of my genetic material I share with chimps and rattlesnakes. If I'm going to pay for ancestry bragging rights, I want proof I got more wild boar in me than the next guy.

[iris lilies]

So I might have to start calling you Henrietta Lacks.
If I could serve mankind in the way she did, I would be thrilled! At least, if Imdodnt thnk too much about it.

[CathyA]

Or a fake sample.

Huh??

[CathyA]

I would love to do it..........but would be a little scared to find out I was not human at all. :~)

I wonder if people ever receive huge shocks? Like they were told their whole lives they were of one ancestry, only to find out it wasn't true at all.
Like the commercial of the guy grew up being told he was German.......wearing lederhosen, doing German dancing, ...........then he found out he was mostly Irish/welsh/Scot.......so he started wearing a kilt.

[bae]

I would love to do it..........but would be a little scared to find out I was not human at all. :~)


That's what I found. True story :-)

[mschrisgo2]

Yes, I know someone who's whole family identity turned out to be fictitious.

[ApatheticNoMore]

If you were making up a fake name how would you pay for it? I mean your name is going to be right on the credit card ...

And would I? :laff: Um, I can say it's not a priority of things to spend $100 on now, but someday who knows.

[Williamsmith]

There is no accountability for veracity in these transactions making them utterly useless in my opinion. How are you better off after learning of the results when people are faking identities, restricting comparisons and blocking linking tools for relationships. And for me, what my DNA says about me is much less important than what I say about myself.

[rodeosweetheart]

There is no accountability for veracity in these transactions making them utterly useless in my opinion. How are you better off after learning of the results when people are faking identities, restricting comparisons and blocking linking tools for relationships. And for me, what my DNA says about me is much less important than what I say about myself.

Williamsmith, I loved your statement, "what my DNA says about me is much less important than what I say abou tmyself."

But in the interest of fairness, the current state of veracity seems pretty high, given the cousins that this has unearthed for me on both my mother and father's side, all of whom fit into the family tree that I became aware of in the 1960's, way before DNA was a "thing."
So at present, the Ancestry.com test is really quite accurate.

And I think Bae's test revealed he is a hybrid super-man, which is of course true as well!

[LDAHL]

That's what I found. True story :-)

How were you classified? 5G Ubermensch? Missing Link? Alien Lizard Overlord? Maybe you can apply for endangered species protection.

My view is that we're all just a few design tweaks from being chimps, so there's little point in getting excited over which parts of Europe my ancestors infested.

[CathyA]

How were you classified? 5G Ubermensch? Missing Link? Alien Lizard Overlord? Maybe you can apply for endangered species protection.

My view is that we're all just a few design tweaks from being chimps, so there's little point in getting excited over which parts of Europe my ancestors infested.

How true!

[razz]

I am a mutt from different parts of Europe and as the world developed over the hundreds of years, so did my ancestry. As Williamsmith posted, it is how I think that is important to me not what the development from the past indicates in my DNA.

For family tree history, I fully understand that it can to very interesting and helpful to know.

[Rogar]

I have a friend who downloaded his 123 and me DNA results into another program to get genetic markers that might indicate higher risk for certain diseases. It costs $5 and he said you could do it with Ancestry results also. I decided I really didn't want to know and I'm not sure that state of the science is good enough to be accurate. But I can see where it might be interesting or useful. I suppose there is an additional disclaimer for that.

I did the Ancestry test and thought the results were interesting. They cleared up some confusion over my family history. I did notice the disclaimer and thought about it. I couldn't see where they would use the information for anything that would be detrimental. There is a whole new field that studies heritable phenotypes that could explain behavior or physical characteristics that recent ancestors may have acquired in response to environment conditions and then passed along. I think the right word is epigenetics. It isn't very far along, but pretty interesting to think about.

[rodeosweetheart]

The one disturbing thing I read is that they used one of these results to link somebody as related to the perp through the DNA. Then they went looking for the perp through the relative.

[bae]

How were you classified? 5G Ubermensch? Missing Link? Alien Lizard Overlord? Maybe you can apply for endangered species protection.


I have 47 chromosomes in many of my cells. In the old days they might have killed me in the womb for this.