Genetic recognition: People are now easily identifiable by their genes

• Author:
• Author name

  Quantumrun Foresight
• November 30, 2022

Insight summary

Although consumer DNA testing may be a fun way to learn more about one’s heritage, it also has the potential to allow others to recognize individuals without their consent or knowledge. There is an urgent need to address how genetic recognition and information storage should be managed to create a balance between public research and personal privacy. The long-term implications of genetic recognition could include law enforcement tapping into genetic databases and Big Pharma collaborating with genetic testing providers.

Genetic recognition context

American citizens of European descent now have a 60 percent chance of being found and recognized through DNA testing, even if they have never sent in a sample to companies such as 23andMe or AncestryDNA, according to a Science journal report. The reason is that unprocessed biometric data can be transferred to websites open to the public, such as GEDmatch. This site allows users to seek out relatives by looking at DNA information from other platforms. Additionally, forensic researchers can access this website and utilize the data combined with additional information found on Facebook or in government personal records.

23andMe’s ever-growing human genetic database is now one of, if not the largest, and most valuable. As of 2022, 12 million people paid to sequence their DNA with the company, and 30 percent choose to share those reports with healthcare professionals, according to 23andMe. Although more individuals are amenable to genetic testing for healthcare purposes, the person’s environment also plays a role in disease development. 

Additionally, because human diseases frequently arise from multiple gene defects, collecting massive DNA data is essential for scientific study. In contrast to giving diagnostic information about an individual, large datasets usually offer more value when learning unknown details regarding the genome. Still, both consumer genetic tests are essential for the future of healthcare, and the challenge now is how to protect individual identity while contributing to research.

Disruptive impact

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing lets individuals learn about their genetics in the comfort of their homes instead of going into a lab. However, this has resulted in some complications. For example, on genetic websites like 23andMe or AncestryDNA, relationships regarding private adoptions were revealed through their genetic data. Furthermore, ethical considerations surrounding genetics shifted from primarily debating what was best for society to worrying about protecting individual privacy rights. 

Some countries, like England (and Wales), have decided to explicitly protect genetic privacy, particularly when it concerns a person’s relatives. In 2020, the High Court recognized that clinicians have to consider not just their patient’s interests when deciding whether or not to disclose information. In other words, the individual is rarely the only person with a vested interest in their genetic data, an ethical notion established long ago. It remains to be seen if other countries will follow suit.

Another area that is changed by genetic recognition is sperm and egg cell donation. Commercial genetic testing has made it possible to track family history by comparing a saliva sample to a database of DNA sequences. This feature raises concerns because sperm and egg donors may no longer remain anonymous. 

According to the UK research project ConnectedDNA, people who have known they were donor-conceived are using consumer genetic testing to gather information about their biological parents, half-siblings, and other potential relatives. They also seek more information about their heritage, including ethnicity and possible future health risks.

Implications of genetic recognition

Wider implications of genetic recognition may include: 

• Genetic databases being used to proactively predict the likelihood of a person getting diseases like cancer, leading to more early diagnoses and preventive measures.


• Law enforcement agencies collaborating with genetic database companies to track suspects through their genetic information. However, there will be pushback from human rights organizations.


• Pharmaceutical firms incentivizing genetic testing companies to share their genetic database for drug development. This partnership has had its critics who think it’s an unethical practice.


• Select governments using biometrics to link the availability of government services to a person’s ID card which will eventually include their unique genetic and biometric data. A wide range of financial services may follow a similar trajectory of employing unique genetic data for transaction verification processes over the decades ahead. 


• More people demanding transparency on how genetic research is conducted and how their information is stored.


• Countries sharing genetic databases to promote healthcare research and create more equitable medicines and therapies.

Questions to consider

• How else might genetic recognition cause concern for privacy regulations?


• What are the other potential benefits and challenges of gene recognition?