30 Jul Alaska Genetic Privacy Law Disputed by DNA Testing Company Amid Lawsuit
New York — In a report last Friday, commercial DNA testing company Family Tree DNA has questioned the Genetic Privacy Act of Alaska for being unconstitutional, citing it has unclear, ill-defined terms that pertain to disclosures and analyzing DNA with advised consent.
The court action is intended to counteract an ongoing lawsuit where client Michael Cole is suing Gene by Gene, the parent company of Family Tree DNA, for posting his genetic results on the company’s website without his permission. He says the disclosure was harmful, where he may experience discrimination based on DNA records.
In response, Gene by Gene claims they only posted partial genetic information on Y chromosomes, reasoning that it has no implication whatsoever on a person’s medical condition.
If the court rules in favor of Cole, he will receive a $100,000 settlement. Moreover, Gene by Gene might have to settle damages for 900 other clients, for a total of $90 million.
Source: GenomeWeb
