For less than $100, folks can discover their ancestry and uncover potentially dangerous genetic mutations. About 12 million Americans have bought these kits in recent years. But DNA testing isnt risk-free — far from it. The kits jeopardize peoples privacy, physical health, and financial well-being.

What are the dangers of DNA testing?

Many of the risks associated with genetic testing involve the emotional, social, or financial consequences of the test results. People may feel angry, depressed, anxious, or guilty about their results.

Can DNA tests be used against you?

Your genetic information could also potentially be used against you in a court case. Law enforcement agencies have used genetic data to identify criminal suspects through their blood relatives. Its even conceivable that sensitive information about your family or your health could be used in a blackmail scenario.

Why 23andMe is not accurate?

Because Ancestry Composition breaks your genome into thousands of segments, our models can give us a view into very small portions of your genome (what we may call “highly precise”). Our algorithms make ancestry estimates based on probabilities and theyre generally very accurate, but your results are not set in stone.

Can you use a fake name for DNA testing?

For now, consumers can, of course, choose not to take consumer DNA tests. Or, King suggests, they can take the tests under a fake name, review them, then ask the testing company to delete their account.