There is another area of possible concern, and that is the data that is collected when you volunteer and sometimes pay for a DNA test.
One of the longtime genealogy companies has been selling a DNA home test to discover ancestors and to prove if one is a Native American and other genetic racial history.
Then, 23andMe got into the game and not only did you get your Genetic ancestor history, you got a probable profile re inherited diseases.
This sounds good, but what control did the company have to protect your genetic history. Your genetic history makes your current medical records look like child’s play.
Below is an article in Scientific American re the possible dangers of this collected data.
23andMe Is Terrifying, But Not for the Reasons the FDA Thinks ... www.scientificamerican.com/.../23andme-is-terrifying-but-not-for-reasons-fda/ - 82k - Cached - Similar pages Nov 27, 2013
You nailed that one. This should scare the living daylights out of everyone.
You can change your appearance, your IP address, your accounts, your passwords, even your driver's license and ssn ("identity").
But you can't change your DNA, fingerprints, retinal scans or other biodata. Those are permanent markers. Once anyone has that stuff you have lost your ability to be anonymous in any way for the rest of your life.
I'm amazed at how casually people give up their privacy for convenience.