I’m happy to see that the show Genetic Detective has been cancelled.

This really opens up a larger issue about shows that describe these genetic advances without discussing genetic privacy concerns and the full breadth and limitations of techniques.

*a thread* (1/13)

Genetic privacy is a topic that concerns an individual’s privacy regarding their personal genetic information. This is inclusive of things such as information that can disclose specific diseases or ancestry. (2/13)

This show involved criminal law and genetics where an individuals unique genetic profile is used as a way to establish innocence or guilt. Historically this is used for DNA profiling, but this show instead looks at a new technique known as genetic genealogy. (3/13)

This show uses a database known as GEDmatch. This database does not itself offer any DNA testing but instead allows users to upload their own results from 23andMe or Ancestry. Additionally, it was discovered that forensic labs were also using this database. (4/13)

The terms of service for GEDmatch previously had only allowed law enforcement to use their database for homicide and sexual assault cases until it was discovered that law enforcement was allowed to use the database for a crime outside these restrictions. (5/13)

After this was discovered by the public, many users were concerned about what was happening with their DNA and many scientists were concerned about why law enforcement could so easily tip toe around these “regulations.” (6/13)

Ultimately GEDmatch changed their policies only allowing law enforcement to access those profiles where users opt in. This is now such a low fraction of total profiles that it is only marginally useful to criminal investigations. But this brings up a larger point... (7/13)

Privacy protection for genetic information is severely lacking and if you leave it up to companies or organizations to self govern there will be episodes such as the one I just detailed which occurred. (8/13)

Because again shortly after another episode happened with FamilyTreeDNA allowing the upload of genetic profiles to their database and letting the FBI have access without telling users. The CEO first lied about working with the FBI and then disclosed what truly happened. (9/13)

These violations of genetic privacy and then admissions to guilt only after their wrong doings are discovered is harmful to citizens and will continue until genetic privacy laws are strengthened. (10/13)

As DNA is shared among families, this brings up concern with not only your own DNA but that of your family. For this reason, it is imperative that genetic privacy laws are strengthened before the surge of people who will likely use genetic services in the coming years (11/13)

While it is great to see genetics in TV shows and movies, at times it is disheartening to see genetic techniques taken out of such context when there are many intricate pieces holding it in place. Only discussing benefits without acknowledgement of larger issues (12/13)

(especially in a documentary) fails the scientific community and deceives the public.

Genetic privacy and forensic genetics are very important to me and I’d be welcome to any discussion or questions people may have on this topic. (13/13)