Montana- DNA Ancestry Websites Could be Sharing Your Data

DNA is everything that we are- literally.

23&Me and other DNA ancestry kits have been growing in popularity, but with some pondering the validity of this entire thing. I know several people that have gotten their DNA done to show what parts of the world their family history is from. People in my family have sent in their DNA to be analyzed, I thought the results were absolutely interesting.

Credit: Canva

The dark side of getting your ancestry analysis with DNA

Sending your DNA into these labs can be nerve racking for a few reasons. This is about the stuff we didn’t know about ourselves and our bloodlines. Family history can be a tricky thing. This can be very detrimental to families...as I've seen it happen in my own family.

Some people are very paranoid when it comes to their DNA. For example, what are these DNA website companies doing with the DNA once they have it? It’s a pretty valid question. And that’s why Senator Daniel Zolnikov, R-Billings proposed 2 new bills to the house last Friday.

Credit: Canva

Senate Bill 351, the Genetic Information Privacy Act

This bill requires thorough transparency and disclosure from companies that have or use people’s genetic data. This bill will require companies to be fully transparent with their practices regarding DNA, and protection so the DNA cannot shared with third-person parties. Third person parties could include police, court systems, and others DNA sites.

A press release reads,

“Our DNA is perhaps the most private and sensitive data associated with us as individual human beings,” Zolnikov said. “Montanans need to have complete control over their genetic information and they need to be able to have their genetic data removed if they so choose.”

Senate Bill 384, the Consumer Data Privacy Act

SB 384 would create policies and protections for Montanans against data being shared around the web. This bill applies to data obtained about individuals through social media, shopping purchases, internet traffic, phone applications, electronic devices, and other means.

Credit: Canva

Why these bills are important to follow and what it means for you

The bills are clear in how they would represent you, a Montanan, from your very personal data being shared. DNA is everything that we are. To share this personal information with anyone would be a direct violation of our privacy.

This is exactly why I didn't send my DNA in to be analyzed. Someone in my family sent theirs in, and my entire world shook with what we found.

Be very careful when seeking out this information. We all are guilty of accepting those "terms and conditions" without reading them all the way through. We need legislation to protect our identity, and our freedoms.

The Senate Business and Labor Committee will heard both bills Friday morning on February 24, 2023. We will update this story as we learn more.

7 Celebrity Weddings in Montana

There are plenty of celebrities who have visited Montana recently, and sure, there are lists of celebrities who have made their home here, but what about the celebrities who plan their special day in the Big Sky State? Here’s a list of celebrity weddings that occurred in Montana, as well as one we’re not sure about, and one that had to change locations.