Destroy the Sample....Save the World!

I am so very proud of 23andMe. There was some big issue with their consent and policy, in fact something I expressed grave concern about. That was the indication that 23andMe/Google would own your DNA sample.....

From their site:
With the exception of your saliva sample, 23andMe does not claim ownership of the materials you provide to 23andMe (including feedback and suggestions) or post, upload, input, or submit to the Service (collectively "Submissions")

Yes.....it was a natural conclusion. Especially when the website indicated that the sample would be the property of the company. This is the case with many other things. If you mail something to a company, the company then assumes ownership of it. In this case, I had very grave concerns that 23andMe could (not necessarily would) run other tests on your sample without your permission. Heck, they could even use it to clone you....why? The DNA was theirs, not yours. Scary at best!

But now in a wonderfully socially responsible act they include this in their informed consent.

Genetic Data: The laboratory processing your saliva sample will analyze your DNA to determine your genetic information. The laboratory will not analyze your saliva for any biological or chemical components, markers or agents other than your DNA. The laboratory will not have access to your name or your other personal information. A unique bar code will allow 23andMe to link genetic data derived from your sample to your account. After analysis, your remaining DNA and saliva samples will be destroyed.

Hooray!!! 23andMe, thank you so much for clearing that up. This was the really big issue I had with your service......there are several other little issues, including the possibility of someone else getting your DNA and submitting it to 23andMe...but heck, you guys can't control all the nefarious people out there.........yet

I know that I am tough on this company.....and for good reason.....Everyone else is cheering them on. If you have no critic, how do you judge yourself? This company is going to be around for a very long time, so I ask them to remember that they are the role model for others who will follow.....

Maybe that's why I get so mad at them.......Maybe they haven't heard Uncle Ben's quote.....

"With great power comes great responsibility"

This is even more important as the echoes of detractors starts to grow!

The Sherpa Says: It is nice to see 23andMe take this big step.......