Re:DNA Testing Botched My Family's Heritage
by jobigoud on Tuesday January 16, 2018 @05:32PM
(#16163385)
Cancer research will soon allow us to modify DNA in people in a very selective manner, using If-then-else logic.
When this technology is available, attackers will be able to perform biological exploits targeting individuals, families, ethnic groups or entire species.
Many examples are given of some conditions that are controlled by genetics and why an attacker would want to deploy them. Animal right activists making everybody allergic to meat, radical islamists rendering women unable to expose their skin to sunlight, a state ruining an enemy by inducing learning disabilities in children, an activist embarrassing his political opponent by giving him a fishy smell, etc.
Attacks can be immediate, delayed like a time bomb or even target the germ line.
One recurring recommendation is to keep your genome secret unless you have a medical reason.
When this technology is available, attackers will be able to perform biological exploits targeting individuals, families, ethnic groups or entire species.
Many examples are given of some conditions that are controlled by genetics and why an attacker would want to deploy them. Animal right activists making everybody allergic to meat, radical islamists rendering women unable to expose their skin to sunlight, a state ruining an enemy by inducing learning disabilities in children, an activist embarrassing his political opponent by giving him a fishy smell, etc.
Attacks can be immediate, delayed like a time bomb or even target the germ line.
One recurring recommendation is to keep your genome secret unless you have a medical reason.