Freakonomics Radio 378. 23andMe (and You, and Everyone Else)
May 16, 2019
Anne Wojcicki, Founder and CEO of 23andMe, shares insights on the transformative power of home DNA testing. She discusses the ethical challenges and privacy concerns surrounding personal genetics, especially as they relate to crime-solving. The conversation highlights how genetic testing can empower individuals but may also lead to unexpected revelations. Wojcicki emphasizes the need for diversity in genetic data for better health outcomes and delves into the complexities of motivating lifestyle changes linked to genetic risk awareness.
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Golden State Killer Capture
- The Golden State Killer was caught using GEDmatch, a genealogy website.
- Police linked the suspect's DNA to relatives in the database, then used public records to confirm his identity.
Privacy Concerns and Early Scrutiny
- Anne Wojcicki, 23andMe's CEO, prioritized user privacy from the start, aiming to prevent misuse by law enforcement like the FBI.
- An "ethical, legal, social" group has monitored 23andMe since its early days, unlike other tech companies.
Healthcare's Profit Motive
- Anne Wojcicki's Wall Street experience revealed a healthcare system focused on profiting from illness, not wellness.
- She realized there was little incentive to keep people healthy, as the system primarily rewards treatment, not prevention.
