The Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues has released a report on the privacy concerns of whole genome sequencing, a process in which it’s possible to determine a person’s complete DNA makeup using DNA samples taken from everyday items like cigarette butts, dental floss, gum or used tissues. Reuters reports the commission’s chairwoman noted the “enormous promise” of sequencing for human health and medicine but added there is a “potential for misuse of this very personal data.” Genome sequencing is set to become part of mainstream medical care, the report states. The report recommends privacy protections including that no sequencing should be performed without a person’s consent.
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