--- title: "Ancestry, Privacy, and Your DNA: What to Consider Before You Disclose Your Genetic Information" description: Commercial DNA Testing has become a popular trend, and it's important that you understand where that information is being used. This blog discusses part of how DNA is used or protected within the law. image: https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hubfs/75148300_s-1.jpg --- [![Goosman Lawfirm](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Goosmannlaw%20October2017/images/Goosmann_Law_Firm_logo_4C-white.png?width=1250&name=Goosmann_Law_Firm_logo_4C-white.png "Goosman Lawfirm")](http://goosmannlaw.com/) - [COVID-19 Toolbox](https://goosmannlaw.com/covid-19-resource-toolbox/) - Our Team - [Attorneys](https://goosmannlaw.com/attorneys/) - [Non-Attorney Staff](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/non-attorney-staff/) - Practices & Industries - [Practices](https://goosmannlaw.com/practices/) - [Banking & Finance](https://goosmannlaw.com/banking-finance/) - [Bankruptcy, Restructuring & Workouts](https://goosmannlaw.com/bankruptcy-restructuring-workouts/) - [Business](https://goosmannlaw.com/business/) - [Divorce & Family Law](https://goosmannlaw.com/divorce-family-law/) - [Employment](https://goosmannlaw.com/employment-law/) - [Environmental, Health & Safety](https://goosmannlaw.com/health-safety/) - [Estate Planning](https://trustlawcounsel.com) - [Gestational Surrogacy & Adoption](https://goosmannlaw.com/gestational-surrogacy-adoption/) - [International Law](http://goosmannlaw.com/international-law/) - [Litigation / Trial Law](https://goosmannlaw.com/litigation-trial-law/) - [Local Counsel](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/local-counsel/) - [Mergers & Acquisitions](https://goosmannlaw.com/mergers-acquisitions/) - [Rapid Response](https://goosmannlaw.com/rapid-response/) - [Industries](https://goosmannlaw.com/industries/) - [Agribusiness & Cooperatives](https://goosmannlaw.com/agribusiness-cooperatives/) - [Construction](https://goosmannlaw.com/construction/) - [Cyber Law and Telecommunications](https://goosmannlaw.com/cyber-law/) - [Education](https://goosmannlaw.com/education/) - [Health Care](https://goosmannlaw.com/health-care/) - [Manufacturing](https://goosmannlaw.com/manufacturing-law/) - [Multifamily Housing](https://goosmannlaw.com/multifamily-housing-law/) - [Non-Profit & Tax Exempt Organizations](https://goosmannlaw.com/non-profit-law/) - [Real Estate](https://goosmannlaw.com/real-estate/) - [Transportation](https://goosmannlaw.com/transportation/) - [Tribal](https://goosmannlaw.com/tribal/) - Our Firm - [Firm News](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/firm-news) - Careers - [Attorneys](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/attorneys/) - [Administration](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/administration/) - [Internships](https://goosmannlaw.com/careers/internships/) - [Client Testimonials and Results](https://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/client-testimonials-and-results/) - [Culture, Diversity, and Community](https://http://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/culture-diversity-and-community/) - [Women-Owned Business](https://goosmannlaw.com/our-firm/women-owned-business/) - [Associations & Memberships](https://goosmannlaw.com/associations-memberships/) - [Firm History](https://goosmannlaw.com/firm-history/) - Blogs - [CEO Law Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/ceo-on-your-side) - [Construction Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/construction-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Cyber Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Deal Maker](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/deal-maker-on-your-side) - [Divorce Docket](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/divorce-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Food for Thought](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/agricultural-lawyer-on-your-side) - [HR Legal Insider](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/human-resources-on-your-side) - [Law Doc](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/health-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Paralegal Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/paralegal-review/) - [Real Estate Lawyer](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/real-estate-lawyer-on-your-side) - [Risky Business](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/risk-manager-on-your-side) - [The Banker’s Suit](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/banking-lawyer-on-you-side) - [Trial Law Review](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/trial-lawyer-on-you-side) - [Trust Law Counsel](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/estate-planning-laywer-on-your-side) - Resources - [COVID-19 Resource Toolbox](https://goosmannlaw.com/covid-19-resource-toolbox/) - [Podcast](http://podcast.goosmannlaw.com/) - [Videos](https://goosmannlaw.com/videos/) - [FREE eBooks & Tools](https://goosmannlaw.com/free-ebooks-tools/) - Contact Us - [Office Locations](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/) - [Sioux City Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/sioux-city-law-firm/) - [Sioux Falls Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/sioux-falls-law-firm/) - [Omaha Law Firm](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/omaha-law-firm/) - [Spirit Lake & Spencer Law Firms](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/spirit-lake-and-spencer-law-firm/) - [Real Estate Closings Office](https://goosmannlaw.com/locations/real-estate-closing-office/) - [Submit a Testimonial](https://goosmannlaw.com/submit-a-testimonial/) - [Sign Up for Our Newsletter](https://goosmannlaw.com/sign-up-for-our-newsletter/) - [Pay Online](https://goosmannlaw.com/pay-online-3/) - [  (855) 843-4531](tel:855-843-4531) ![](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hubfs/Blog_Images/Lockbox%20Lawyer/close-button.png) [tel:855-THE-GLF1](tel:855-THE-GLF1) [Cyber Law](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/cyber-law) [Cyber Legacy](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/cyber-legacy) [DNA](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/dna) # [Ancestry, Privacy, and Your DNA: What to Consider Before You Disclose Your Genetic Information](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/ancestry-privacy-and-your-dna-what-to-consider-before-you-disclose-your-genetic-information) By [Goosmann Law Team](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/author/goosmann-law-team)   |  30, July 2018 [READ NOW](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/ancestry-privacy-and-your-dna-what-to-consider-before-you-disclose-your-genetic-information) [Read Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/ancestry-privacy-and-your-dna-what-to-consider-before-you-disclose-your-genetic-information#article) [![](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Logo1.jpg?width=60&name=Logo1.jpg)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/author/goosmann-law-team) [Goosmann Law Team](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/author/goosmann-law-team)  Tags: [Cyber Law](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/cyber-law) [Cyber Legacy](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/cyber-legacy) [DNA](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/dna) ## ![75148300_s-1](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/75148300_s-1.jpg?width=847&name=75148300_s-1.jpg) ## Commercial genetic testing services have exploded in popularity in recent years. Consumers have been buying and sending DNA test kits to companies for reasons ranging from ancestry profiles, discovering markers for possible medical conditions, and even wine selections paired to mesh with your genetic code rather than your meal.  Excluding identical twins, an individual’s genetic makeup is about as personal and unique as a category of identifying information can get, and yet there isn’t a great deal of law or regulation affecting ownership, use, or protection of genetic information once voluntarily disclosed.  The rights and obligations affecting consumer privacy interests in their DNA data are largely set by the company’s own policies, barring an applicable state law.  Thus, consumers should consider the potential privacy risks and take the time to make an informed decision before sending a dna kit. These concerns can include: - Family and Estate Issues—Half of your DNA is shared with your parents, half your DNA is usually shared with your siblings, perhaps a quarter with your grandparents, and to some degree with every person in your family tree. A DNA test can reveal uncomfortable paternity information, and marriages have ended due to the results of what is in effect a consumer initiated wide ranging paternity test. Depending on the service and the database used, it may also reveal previously unknown relatives that could create or significantly complicate probate and estate issues for your family. - Medical Concerns—There are services that are marketed exclusively for finding genetic markers that raise individual health concerns, but any test can collect markers that can show anything from a higher risk of cancer to a higher risk of developing alcoholism or other addictions. That information may be sold individually or in the aggregate to third parties depending on the company’s policies and practices, and there is no common regime of use or disclosure restrictions. Individuals that want to keep that kind of information from being disseminated should scrutinize the fine print for all DNA testing services. - Law Enforcement Concerns— DNA testing has been a longstanding tool for solving crimes, prosecuting offenders, and exonerating the wrongfully convicted, but the use of DNA databases held by commercial entities for law enforcement is a relatively new development. Like any other entity, law enforcement can legally request records held by private entities for law enforcement investigations by warrant or subpoena.  Companies may also chose to voluntarily share their DNA databases, with or without notifying affected individuals depending on their polices and state law.  This practice garnered headlines earlier this year after the arrest of Joseph DeAngelo, the accused “Golden State Killer,” who was identified when law enforcement compared DNA obtained from crime scenes against the DNA database of GEDMatch, which almost certainly contained DNA profiles of DeAngelo’s relatives.  Users need to be aware of this possibility that law enforcement may access these databases, and once the information is disclosed there may be little practical ability for them to have that information returned or deleted. - Hacking Concerns—Data breaches happen even when companies use first rate security technology and practices, and not all state based breach notification laws cover genetic information. Consumers need to be aware of the ever present risk their DNA data may be acquired by a hacker and sold, and unlike bank account numbers, social security numbers, or other personal information, you can’t get another DNA profile if it is compromised. Consumers should be weighing privacy concerns right alongside price and service type when choosing whether to use a DNA testing service, and weigh those concerns for both themselves and for their relatives. Each company’s policies and practices differ, and genetic information is important enough that it is worth reading the fine print and making an informed decision before sharing. Contact our Sioux City, Sioux Falls, or Omaha offices for more information on how your DNA may be used in legal proceedings. For more Cyber Security topics visit our blog [here](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side)!   ### Select Different CTA for each Post from Blog Editor [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/489404/a8cefc17-3b9d-4de0-89cd-e60a64752422.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/489404/a8cefc17-3b9d-4de0-89cd-e60a64752422) ### Subscribe Our Blog Thanks for submission!! - Recent - Popular ### Posts by Topic - [Cyber Law (43)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/cyber-law) - [cyber (7)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/cyber) - [cybersecurity (5)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/cybersecurity) - [Business News and Insights (4)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/business-news-and-insights) - [Cyber Law Trends (3)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/cyber-law-trends) - [Firm News (3)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/firm-news) - [Media Law and Technology & Science (3)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/media-law-and-technology-science) - [CEO (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/ceo) - [Communications Law (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/communications-law) - [Cyber scams (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/cyber-scams) - [EMV Credit Cards (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/emv-credit-cards) - [HR Legal Insider (2)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/hr-legal-insider) - [CFAA (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/cfaa) - [Communications Decency Act (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/communications-decency-act) - [Cyber Legacy (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/cyber-legacy) - [DNA (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/dna) - [Employee Recruiting (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/employee-recruiting) - [Employment News and Insights (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/employment-news-and-insights) - [IRS (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/irs) - [IRS scam (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/irs-scam) - [IRS scam Sioux City (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/irs-scam-sioux-city) - [Identity Theft (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/identity-theft) - [Ransomware (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/ransomware) - [Sioux City IRS scam (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/sioux-city-irs-scam) - [South Dakota (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/south-dakota) - [data breach (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/data-breach) - [scam (1)](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/topic/scam) DISCLAIMER: The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only, and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. By visiting this website, blog, or post you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the Goosmann Law Firm attorneys and website publisher. No information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice from Goosmann Law Firm, PLC, or the individual author, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through, this Post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction. #### Let Us Know What You Thought about this Post. Put your Comment Below. [Previous Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/security-breach-notification-laws-in-all-50-states-what-does-it-all-mean) ##### [Security Breach Notification Laws In All 50 States: What Does It All Mean?](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/security-breach-notification-laws-in-all-50-states-what-does-it-all-mean) [Next Post](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/new-california-data-law) ##### [New California Data Law](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/cyber-lawyer-on-your-side/new-california-data-law) ### Contact Info **Sioux City Location** P. 712-226-4000 F. (712) 224-4517 **Sioux Falls Location** P. (605) 371-2000 F. (605) 275-2039 **Omaha Location** P. (402) 280-7648 F. (402) 505-3967 --- [Disclaimer](http://goosmannlaw.com/list-all-blogs/disclaimer/) | [Privacy Policy](http://goosmannlaw.com/privacy-policy/) ### Locations **Sioux City Location** 410 5th Street Sioux City, IA 51101 **Sioux Falls Location** 5010 S. Minnesota Avenue, Suite 100 Sioux Falls, SD 57108 **Omaha Location** Advent Building 17838 Burke Street, Suite 250 Omaha, NE 68118 ![Goosmann](https://blog.goosmannlaw.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/Lockbox%20Lawyer/goosmann-white.png?width=250&name=goosmann-white.png "Goosmann") Goosmann Law Firm is a FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM with locations in Sioux City, Iowa, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Omaha, Nebraska. Goosmann Law attorneys are licensed to practice in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Their attorney team's practices and industries include but are not limited to Agribusiness and Cooperatives, Banking and Finance, Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Workouts, Business, Construction, Cyber Law and Telecommunications, Divorce and Family Law, Education, Employment, Environmental Health and Safety, Gestational Surrogacy and Adoption, Health Care, Litigation and Trial Law, Manufacturing, Mergers and Acquisitions, Municipal, Nonprofit and Tax Exempt Organizations, Real Estate, and Transportation, Tribal, Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, and Probate Law. Goosmann © Copyright 2017