An individual's genetic composition is arguably one of the
most personal and private types of information out there. As
science and technology continue to develop, the collection, use,
and disclosure of genetic information has increased exponentially.
Medical genetic testing has become a key tool in helping to
diagnose and treat complicated illnesses and commercial genetic
testing kits, such as 23andMe, have expanded in popularity. All of
this has resulted in an exponential increase in the amount personal
data being collected in our everyday lives.
Yet, imagine a world where you were fired from your job because
– although you were not yet sick – your employer
learned you had a gene which would eventually develop an illness in
the future. Or, a world where you could not obtain health insurance without undergoing
mandatory genetic testing, and were then denied insurance or had
your premiums increased based on the results.
