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Archiver > GENEALOGY-DNA > 2001-06 > 0993960038


From: "Peter A. Kincaid" <>
Subject: Re: [DNA] Kincaid Surname DNA Project Plan
Date: Sun, 01 Jul 2001 01:00:38 -0300
References: <3.0.6.32.20010630145633.007b1c70@pop.nbnet.nb.ca><10e.1a63ecc.286919a2@aol.com>
In-Reply-To: <5.1.0.14.2.20010630212839.00a4d6e0@mail.tgis.co.uk>


>What exactly are they afraid of in respect of privacy? Probably some
>misguided notion of what your research will reveal, e.g. faulty genes when
>in fact you are only testing junk DNA?
>
>Maybe your (over?) elaborate privacy encodement has persuaded some that
>there is something really important that does need hiding, when in fact the
>information has no known medical importance.


The main privacy issues appear to be possible implications relating to
health insurance and a non paternity event. Perhaps nothing will get
people to participate if they are concerned over the first issue. The
second issue probably is more sensitive to our surname "because we
are members of a Scottish Clan." There is a sense of identity there likely
not felt by those with surnames of other nationalities. A non paternity
event may have a deep impact. This is why I have taken strong steps to
maintain privacy with the hope that once positive results are obtained
participants will gladly furnish the desired genealogical material. If an
undesired
result is obtained the participant can remain fairly anonymous. This
certainly
would limit any liability issues on my part.

My thoughts were that more people will participate if the utmost privacy
was offered. However, based on the reaction so far the overkill on privacy
may in fact lead one to think their DNA privacy is worth keeping private
(sorta of like a robber thinking a place must have something really
valuable in it
because of all the security put up by the owner). Perhaps I need to rethink
my presentation.

Thanks for all the input so far!


Peter A. Kincaid
Fredericton, NB, Canada

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