Nebula Genomics Launches Anonymous Genetic Testing
Calls for adoption of privacy-preserving technologies by direct-to-consumer personal genomics companies
Nebula Genomics, a privacy-focused personal genomics company, has launched a new privacy-preserving feature - anonymous genetic testing. Nebula Genomics customers will now be able to purchase whole-genome sequencing, submit their sample, and receive their results without having to reveal any information about themselves such as name, address or credit card number. Nebula Genomics is the first personal genomics company to offer anonymous genetic testing.
This feature will eliminate several potential vulnerabilities individuals are exposed to when purchasing genetic testing services. Most importantly, enabling individuals to remain anonymous would remove the dependence on data de-identification by personal genomics companies prior to data sharing with researchers.
In an article published this week in Nature Biotechnology, Nebula Genomics co-founders describe how various cryptographic techniques can be applied to make sharing of personal genomic data controllable, transparent and secure. The article also calls for direct-to-consumer personal genomics companies to put their customers in control of their personal data in order to address prevalent privacy concerns that have become a barrier to wider adoption of genetic testing. As a result, the growth of the direct-to-consumer genetic testing has recently slowed down significantly.
“Today we have presented our vision for privacy-focused personal genomics and with our launch of anonymous genetic testing we are taking a step towards turning this vision into reality,” said Dennis Grishin, Chief Scientific Officer at Nebula Genomics.
