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Re: Your personal health: The internet and privacy

albin paul — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:27:23 -0000

Any one who ever published even a byte of text on web should know that it is going to stay there, google maintains cache of even websites that are no longer exists, Life science companies are already the most paranoid lots on the planet when it comes to trusting any one with information, we already have a dozen compliance rules for handling healthcare information, I agree with stephen and his list. But am sure going forward life insurance companies will have access to our healthcare information and they will use it to decide the premium payments, I am not so confidant a US court would rule it as discrimination. US and UK insurance companies already does that for car insurance ie a younger person is likely to be asked to pay a higher premium

Re: Your personal health: The internet and privacy

mndoci — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:48:28 -0000

Steve

Won't disagree with you there. My point is that alarmism can be counterproductive when the reality is that people who want to undermine you are going to be able to do it anyway. What's important is letting people know what their options are and where the dangers lie and let them make their own choices.

Of course, when it comes to health information, the standards are a little higher, esp when it comes to the impact on the quality of healthcare, so some oversight is a good thing, but I always worry about too much oversight coming in the way of creativity and innovation.

Re: Your personal health: The internet and privacy

Steven Murphy MD — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 09:56:22 -0000

Deepak,
Ok, fair enough. Buyer Beware. Maybe the free market will create a genome protection service like life-lock....hey wait a second....That sounds like a great idea. Or maybe we can have brokers who will sell you a genome on the black market in order to afford opportunities such as getting into college. As far as I know, that's not covered by GINA. I am all for advancement of science and medicine. And I am a Libertarian sooooooooo. I just think we should help educate all about the good, the bad, and the ugly.
-Steve
www.thegenesherpa.blogspot.com

Re: Your personal health: The internet and privacy

Iri (co-founder of iMedix) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 05:03:04 -0000

Interesting post Deepak. I also believe that we should all embrace transparency as much as possible.

Re: Your personal health: The internet and privacy

mndoci — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 22:12:32 -0000

Steve

I am sure anyone can make a long long list. My argument is that anyone who wants to get your information ca, whether its via your social security number, hacking into your online bank account or what have you. It's important for people to know what to watch out for and what the various loopholes are. My argument is that it's better to educate than to legislate and add too much overhead. People who think they have privacy are the ones wearing the rosy glasses. What we need to do is accept the way things are, be aware of all the possibilities and make informed decisions.

Yes, there are areas where oversight is important, but in most cases issues can be decided by the market. If people like a particular service and they know they are selling their souls, then it's their responsibility.

Re: Your personal health: The internet and privacy

Steven Murphy MD — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 20:25:35 -0000

I think we need a little reality check. Other than employers and health insurers, I can think of 5 other people who shouldn't be allowed access to someone's genome

1. Identity Thieves
2. Criminals
3. Life Insurers
4. Potential Mates (although there are certain ethinic groups in the city who have matchmakers) See Gattaca
5. People looking to make a profit off it and not include me in the financial benefit.

I am certian there are more, but this is my first 5. Let's take off the rose-colored glasses.

-Steve
www.thegenesherpa.blogspot.com