When you send in your sample from a DNA Kit to find out about your heritage, you could be giving up some valuable information to people you don't know.
In fact, The Golden State Killer was found by comparing crime scene DNA with the killer's distant cousin's DNA that was found in a public database. Gerald Treece of South Texas College of Law says, “After the Golden State Killer case was solved using technology like this and everybody cheered – I worry about governments getting information on us that they have no business or right to without having a warrant.”
He says you surely sign a very lengthy agreement which could say the company will post its findings in a public database - and who knows who's researching there! Remember – the DNA information and file also have your name and address.
DNA samples and profiles contain private information about health and genetic relationships including paternity and non-paternity. As Treece says, “Things can be exposed because your distant cousin got a DNA testing kit as a birthday present!”