The short answer is – a lot. Just not to you.

By some estimates, a person’s genome may be worth up to $50,000.

The Direct To Consumer genetics companies know the value of genetic data. Their business models are determined by the value of the data that they can commercialize.

They know they can make massive profits by helping pharmaceutical companies and other third parties access your information.

Pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline recently invested $300 million dollars into 23andme to access to the genetic data of their customers.

Every day, more news articles come out speaking about companies that employ a new gimmick to get people to give up their genetic information.

The New Kids on the Block

Nebula Genomics is the most recent example of this phenomenon. They promise to give you your genetic data for FREE.

Yet like other companies, they require you to divulge your identity to pay for their service. If you want free access to your genetics, you have to give up a unnerving amount of personal data.

They also promise to let you profit off your DNA, but are light on the details of how much money you would get.

And once your share your DNA with third parties through Nebula, you lose control. According to their Privacy Policy, they “do not control how that third party uses your personal information” after it is provided it to them.

Like the saying goes, “If you are not paying for the product, you ARE the product”.

So What Now?

Genetic data can tell us so much about who we are. It can help us lead healthier lives and be more informed about the health risks we may face.

Unfortunately, this useful data is sought after by many different companies. Consumers have to take the utmost care to ensure their genetic information and identity does not fall into the wrong hands.

At Secret Sequence, we don’t want to know who you are, or anything about you. All we want to do is provide genetic testing to you, completely anonymously, so you can maximize your benefit and minimize your risks.