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When a DNA Testing Firm Goes Bankrupt, Who Gets the Data?

Posted by timothy on from the how-about-blue-cross-blue-shield dept.

wiedzmin writes "DeCODE Genetics, a genetics research firm from Iceland, has filed for bankruptcy in the US, and Saga Investments, a US venture capital firm, has already put in a bid to buy deCODE’s operations, raising privacy concerns about the fate of customer DNA samples and records. The company hasn’t disclosed how many clients signed up for its service, but provides a number of customer testimonials on its site, including Dorrit Mousaieff, Iceland’s first lady."

10 of 114 comments (clear)

  1. This is why I protected myself by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    I spliced in a trojan to my DNA. If I'm cloned in anything but my specific method, I'll instead turn out as a 70ft tall dinosaur human hybrid with fire breath, laser beam eyes, and the ability to fly. I dare them to clone me.

    1. Re:This is why I protected myself by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

      On the other hand, your mother had a quite liberal distribution policy.

  2. Information wants to be free! by MarkvW · · Score: 4, Funny

    DNA information and it wants to be free--just like Hollywood movies, Britney Spears songs, and videogames! Let it be free!!

    I can see the future now: The Pirate Bay of Cloning Data!!

    As Alfred E. Newman once said: "What, me worry?"

    1. Re:Information wants to be free! by Bakkster · · Score: 2, Funny

      DNA information and it wants to be free--just like Hollywood movies, Britney Spears songs, and videogames! Let it be free!!

      Right, it's not like anyone spent money to develop your genetic code, unlike with artistic works. Well, maybe a bottle of wine facilitated the process.

      --
      Write your representatives! Repeal the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics!
    2. Re:Information wants to be free! by AndersOSU · · Score: 4, Funny

      spent money to develop your genetic code

      that's a really clumsy way to call someone's mom a whore.

  3. Re:Time for an Amendment? by gnick · · Score: 5, Funny

    I was under the impression that all twins were maternal twins. If I have a paternal twin, then dad must have had a wild night.

    Perhaps you're thinking of identical twins as opposed to fraternal twins?

    Sorry for the nit-pick. My head's just swimming around trying to figure out how to create paternal twins...

    --
    He's getting rather old, but he's a good mouse.
  4. I used to work for these guys by stormcoder · · Score: 1, Funny

    It was interesting work but the management were clueless about software development. That's another company on my resume that no longer exists. Damn.

    --
    Sorry my bullshit sensor overloaded.
    1. Re:I used to work for these guys by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      The final proof that you are irreplaceable. I would put it on my C.V.

  5. Re:$5 says they... by commodore64_love · · Score: 4, Funny

    Well.

    At least if the DNA data was given to the government we know it would be safe and never used for nefarious purposes.

    .

    hahahahahahahaahahahahahaha!
    L8r

    --
    "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - historian Evelyn Beatrice Hall
  6. Re:A simple question by flyingfsck · · Score: 2, Funny

    How? Mitosis of course...

    --
    Excuse me, but please get off my Pennisetum Clandestinum, eh!