HOUSTON – Some people are willing to pay a high price for your genetic information, but chances are you will never see a dime.
People use the genetic testing to find out their heritage or figure out if they're predisposed to certain cancers or diseases.
The process starts online, but those swabs of spit are sent by snail mail. This morning, before you walk out to your mailbox, consider this – the fine print!
The process to get your DNA results is similar to downloading an app. In order to get the goods, you've got to agree to the company's terms.
Who's got time to read all that fine print? Well, you should, because according to a consumer attorney right here in Houston, within that fine print are privacy agreements.
Things like the company can then do what it wants with your DNA. In some cases, they're making millions.
“And that company sold 3,000 of those results to a pharma company for $60 million. Three thousand results for $60 million,” Manfred Sternberg, a consumer lawyer, said. “Why you might ask? Because those 3,000 results are from consumers who self-described themselves as having Parkinson's disease. … How to prevent or treat Parkinson's disease?
This type of testing is grabbing the attention of consumer attorneys.
In fact, some folks have called asking about their options — can they fight for money or get their sample back?
They can't. Those user agreements work like a contract, and once you've approved, you can't really go back.
The information is great, but before you shell out a few hundred dollars for the testing, make sure your doctor can read the results.
