Watch genome data

Today technology and cost are reaching the point where an individual can sequence their genome providing predispositions and giving doctors the means to personalize care with medications based on our DNA. Already there are private companies offering to sequence your genome while also collecting that data for their own use.

Unfortunately, this information is exactly what health and life insurance companies will use against people. How much harder will it be for those who have tight finances to get decent insurance when their genes have spelled out their fate? Should insurance companies be able to access this kind of information?

In a world where corporations are predatory, a very close eye should be kept on companies collecting genome data. With a nation so divided by income and availability of good healthcare, it is time to consider what kinds of power and data collection we are going to let companies possess.

Brook Pickett

Colbert