Tonight on 7 News Spotlight, Ashlee Mullany investigates the risks of at-home DNA testing, as millions of people share their genetic information through online databases.
The investigation explores cases involving unexpected family discoveries and crimes solved through DNA testing, while examining questions around privacy, consent and how genetic information can be used.
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Should consumers be giving more thought to the consequences of home DNA tests and are they fully aware of the risks, not only to themselves but to their extended family?
Almost 50 million people have taken an at-home DNA test. The results are often uploaded to public databases, creating a treasure trove of genetic information.
In this 7NEWS Spotlight investigation, Ashlee Mullany uncovers extraordinary stories resulting from home DNA tests.
There’s the Melbourne woman who discovered she’d been swapped at birth. An author researching her family tree whose innocently uploaded DNA led police to arrest a relative for murder. In one horrifying case, a therapist learned that her high school boyfriend was in fact her brother.
Mullany explores the extraordinary power of consumer DNA testing. From police unmasking criminals who for decades believed they’d escaped justice, to helping scientists identify dozens of deceased Australians whose remains have long lay unclaimed.
“While DNA can solve life’s biggest mysteries, are consumers really aware of how their data is being used?” Mullany asks.
“Once uploaded, it can’t be taken back, raising serious questions about privacy, consent and just who has access to our most personal information.”
