It is said that the US Department of Defense is advising US military personnel not to undergo civilian DNA testing. The reason is that the information collected by private companies could be a national security risk.
In the United States, several companies sell test kits that provide DNA analysis services by sending out samples of saliva and oral cells. Through this, researching households or providing information on health risks.
However, some companies are known to provide analysis results to law enforcement or to sell to others. DNA analysis kits have become a popular gift in the United States, where there are many people with complex roots in multi-racial countries, and because there are few regulations, there are many trends in military officials to take civilian DNA tests without burden. But the Pentagon warned that the risk of potentially unwanted outcomes could increase.
There is a possibility that personal and genetic information may be leaked through commercial DNA testing via mail. For example, if DNA information from military personnel is passed on to a terrorist, you can think of a scenario in which a secret agent involved in the murder of bin Laden is pursued and revenge. In addition, there is a possibility that relatives, not the soldiers themselves, share DNA information online.
Meanwhile, a DNA test company offers special discounts, etc., and promotes targeting military personnel. The Pentagon points out that the discovery of certain diseases or unintended markers for them could affect the careers of those concerned. They also expressed concerns about biometric information such as fingerprint and face recognition as well as DNA.
Following these concerns from the US Department of Defense, DNA testing company Ancestry said it would not adopt a sales strategy for military officials, and another company, 23andMe, also provided information to third parties without express consent from customers. Announced not to share. Related information can be found here .
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