Users of the Crowdsourced DNA Project plan to discontinue its operation in response to escalating authoritarianism, aiming to safeguard their users' personal information.
The open-source genetic data repository openSNP is set to close its doors next month, citing concerns about data privacy risks amplified by the rise of authoritarian governments [1][3][4]. This decision by the founder, Bastian Greshake Tzovaras, reflects his belief that providing free and open access to individual genetic data is no longer responsible in the current climate.
Since its launch 14 years ago, openSNP allowed users to publish the results of their consumer DNA tests, creating a platform for users to find others with similar genetic variations, learn more about their results, and help scientists with their research [5]. However, Tzovaras has expressed concerns about the privacy implications in the commercial DNA industry, stating that things are looking particularly bad [2].
One of the primary concerns is the potential misuse of sensitive genetic data by authoritarian regimes. With the rise of far-right and authoritarian governments, the risk of such data being exploited for political repression, surveillance, discrimination, or other abuses grows considerably [1][3]. Genetic data is uniquely sensitive and potentially identifying, making it a valuable tool for those seeking to control or manipulate populations.
Authoritarian states may also seek access to open genetic databases for control purposes such as tracking dissidents, enforcing discriminatory policies, or manipulating populations, raising ethical and human rights alarms [1]. This chilling effect on open science may discourage individuals from contributing to open repositories, reducing data diversity and hampering research collaboration and innovation based on open genetic data.
The closure of openSNP coincides with the potential sale of 23andMe's genetic database, indicating a significant shift in the commercial DNA industry [6]. Tzovaras has not provided specific details about the potential buyer, but the potential sale adds to the concerns about the privacy of individual genetic data in the commercial DNA industry.
In his post on his personal blog, Tzovaras mentioned the crackdown on free and open societies by authoritarian governments [7]. He has been contemplating the closure of openSNP since 23andMe faced financial difficulties and the U.S. election [8]. Despite the weight this decision has been on his mind, Tzovaras told 404 Media that he is relieved to have made the decision, as it has been a weight on his mind for a long time [9].
The openSNP case exemplifies the vulnerabilities of open-source genetic information sharing in a geopolitical climate where online privacy is increasingly threatened by surveillance laws, censorship, and state power [1][4]. This decision underscores the urgent need for stronger protections, ethical oversight, and new models that balance open scientific exchange with individual privacy and resistance to political coercion. This concern is especially poignant given the power of genetic data to reveal intimate biological and identity details.
[1] The Verge
[2] TechCrunch
[3] Gizmodo
[4] Wired
[5] Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News
[6] The Guardian
[7] Bastian Greshake Tzovaras's Personal Blog
[8] 404 Media
[9] 404 Media
