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But what about genetic data sharing?
Is it possible to protect your personal privacy when it comes to these testing kits?
Image: Incogni table displaying how companies use genetic data
It automates the data removal process, directly requesting that data brokers delete personal information about you.
What are the concerns?
These terms are vague and could allow information sharing without a warrant.
Image: Incogni table displaying how companies use genetic data
Four out of 10 do not specify where physical samples are stored.
All services retain physical samples for extended periods.
These can be used to identify users even when anonymized.
Image: Incogni table displaying how companies use genetic data
How are these companies using your data?
Incogni found that customer’s genetic data was being used for four things.
It is used for conducting research, although users have to opt-in to DNA based research.
In addition, it is used for improving, and providing a service.
Two of the services have faced lawsuits for alleged mishandling of customer data.
A credential-stuffing attack hit 23andMe in 2023.
This could have serious ramifications for customer data, as genetic information could be sold.
Data that has already been sold is unable to be deleted.
Is there a way to protect yourself?
Analysis found that these companies received non-genetic user information from third-parties.
Data removal services, such as Incogni, are useful tools for removing your personal information from the internet.
This means the data brokers can’t sell your data to other third-parties.
Incogni repeats these requests on a regular basis, closely monitoring for appearances of your data.
VPNs change your IP address, making it appear as though you are in a different country.
They also encrypt your traffic so it cannot be seen by third-parties.
Secure browsing is an emerging technology, and VPN providerIPVanishrecently introduced this feature to its service.
Itssecure surfing app is an industry firstand works via the cloud.
Your browsing session is encrypted and private, with trackers and cookies eliminated.
The DNA services are collecting technical information, including IP addresses, when you access their sites.
Many of the top VPNs have no-log policies.
This means no identifiable data is collected or stored, and you’re free to remain private online.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses.
For example: 1.
Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services.
Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
