Online DNA tests are upending anonymous sperm donations

Cheap DNA testing kits have enabled millions to peek into their family history, ancestry and inherited health conditions. But the technology has also raised ethical concerns over how customers’ data is being shared and sold for use in drug research and law enforcement.

It’s also upending the decades-old industry of anonymous sperm donations.

We met Anna, who found her biological father - a sperm donor - along with 40 half-siblings after taking a DNA test. Her story raises the question: how do you protect someone’s anonymity in the age of affordable and easy online DNA tests?

0:00 Introduction
1:52 The history of sperm donations
3:50 Anna's story
4:55 The rise and rise of DNA tests
5:57 Can we keep our DNA anonymous?
8:32 Meeting your 'family'

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[lightyagami]

Perhaps some of these men should sue the fertility clinics for failing to keep them anonymous. They did promise it in legal writing after all.

[Kaen-kq]

Another reason to keep your online presence small!

[Kaen-kq]

Why should you respect that? Because it is the decent and right thing to do.