For a price of less than $100, you can now easily have your DNA tested through various companies offering the services. With just swab of your cheek or a sample of your saliva, DNA tests have gone with less trouble compared back then. However, the convenience and easier access to DNA tests might also be the reason why the Pentagon is making a huge fuss about the said tests-- especially for members of the US military.
Be Careful on Where Your DNA Tests Are Being Sent
DNA tests are an important health examination for most people. If you wanted to find out who your real relatives are, take a test, and you'll be able to have your answers. If you are looking forward to knowing what types of illnesses you are more prone to, take a simple commercial DNA test, and it will shed light on your possible health issues to worry about in the future. In conclusion, taking some DNA examinations is a necessity for most people.
On the other hand, Pentagon-- first reported via Yahoo News-- said that consumers must be warned about these 'simple' DNA tests since they can collect your information and pose a security threat in the future.
This warning was solely applied to all military men that do commercial DNA tests regularly. According to a memo co-signed by the US Defense Department's top intelligence official, military men are discouraged to try out commercial DNA tests with growing DNA companies like 23andMe and Ancestry since these companies may sell the military men's health status on third parties or law enforcement.
"These [direct-to-consumer] genetic tests are largely unregulated and could expose personal and genetic information, and potentially create unintended security consequences and increased risk to the joint force and mission," states the memo.
Companies Offering Cheaper DNA Tests
One thing that also alarms the US Defense Department is the fact that a lot of DNA tests companies are offering fewer prices or discounted sales on online markets to attract more customers of the said services.
Cmdr. Sean Robertson, a Pentagon spokesman, confirmed that the said memo was sent to all military men as they believed that "the unintentional discovery of markers that may affect readiness could affect a service member's career, and the information from DTC genetic testing may disclose this information."
23andMe and Ancestry Already Answered the Said Claims
Although the Pentagon does not have a thorough investigation regarding the negative impacts of commercial DNA testing, well-known DNA tests companies already made their statements against the bureau's allegations.
On Aug 1, 2018, these companies already pledged to protect the information they are about to get from various citizens from the country. In their released new sets of guidelines, the firms stated that they will "express consent" to each of their customers before releasing and having their information taken by their companies.
Additionally, 23andMe also claimed that they are already FDA approved, and 99% of their DNA tests are found to be accurate compared to other companies, as stated on a Fox Business report.
Still, the Pentagon is firm on its decision to warn military men in using these tests. Now for ordinary citizens, this is all up to you.
