Profiling Your DNA for Dollars

Here is an interesting one. They are looking to collect databases of people's DNA to be analyzed by marketing databases. The idea is that if everyone's DNA is mapped out and stored in a database, marketers would be able to check the data and tailor specific campaigns directed at people who have a genetic predisposition for cetain behaviours or purchasing certain items.

...consider this: Two years ago, just a decade after the first human genome was mapped, Visa Inc., one of the world’s largest credit-card companies, tried to secure a patent that would allow it to search, among other things, DNA databanks for marketing purposes. As the cost to sequence DNA drops, and online databases grow, the commercial interests in consumers’ genetic profiles is likely to grow along with it. In the academic world, researchers are already mining human DNA for links between genes and consumer preferences.

The days of call lists and cold calling may be over:

In the ever-growing field of personal-data mining, marketing firms already latch on to details far beyond the sphere of names and postal codes to gain insights into consumers’ personal tastes. And DNA may well be the next frontier: genetic information gleaned from burgeoning databases.

Or is it?

But adding DNA to the marketing mix is bound to be a tough sell. Visa’s patent application prompted a flurry of privacy-breach concerns from mainstream media and consumer watchdogs, and the company has since removed any mention of DNA from its patent bid.

When it comes to business and marketing and private information, I don't see many problems with it as long as their are opt out policies in place. In many cases I am on the other end of issue, and these tools are very useful, sometimes the difference between a business failing or being successful.

I think the main problem is who will end up with this information however. I, personally tend to opt out of nearly every deal that will see my information reach a third party. I don't sign up to many rewards programs, and I can't stand unsolicited marketing attempts directed at me. However, there are a few promotional outlets I subscribe to, and I enjoy receiving the latest news on products or services that I'm interested in.

I think the main concern people will have with this one, is how protected will their data be. And what's to stop it from being used for either nefarious means, or by government, law enforcement, the courts, etc.

www.theglobeandmail.com...

after i got to the word "marketers" i knew this was bad

I don't see many problems with it as long as their are opt out policies in place.

policies? you want to talk about policies? I can assure you their "Policy" will have a flaw which them or others will be able to get around with and do more with you than you actually think. All kinds of top businessmen will be on this and fair is not the way they play the game

I think the main concern people will have with this one, is how protected will their data be. And what's to stop it from being used for either nefarious means, or by government, law enforcement, the courts, etc.

you said it

reply to post by BacknTime

policies? you want to talk about policies? I can assure you their "Policy" will have a flaw which them or others will be able to get around with and do more with you than you actually think. All kinds of top businessmen will be on this and fair is not the way they play the game

Opt out policies usually include not giving your information to begin with. I have absolutely zero third party marketing calls to my personal email and phone lines. Because I don't give out that information to be used by marketers.

I do have separate emails for those things though, and it gets bombarded with advertising.

Anyway, as far as it being used for what it's intended for. There are plenty of marketers out there that simply want exactly what they say they want. It's how they make money.

Like I said, the concern would be who gets this information that is unintended. I don't believe it will remain where it's supposed to without being compromised. So I do agree with you mostly...

Is nothing sacred to marketeering?????? This is insane. Now I'll have to sign up for governments "No Advertising to My DNA' list which will put me on another anti conformist list.

reply to post by boncho


While part of me screams an emphatic "NO," part of me finds this intriguing.

The science behind it is fascinating and tailoring it for marketing purposes is very innovative. Opt out safeguards would be important but I do feel that those that do participate would never be out of reach of parties like law enforcement. However, if law enforcement or government wants your DNA badly enough, it would not really matter if your DNA was on some sort of file for marketing purposes or not. It would be making their job easier though, I guess.