You may know it when you see it, but that doesn t always lead to a meaningful definition. People are legitimately concerned about use of genetic data as a basis for discrimination, and that is a focus of much of the proposed legislation. Remember, however, that the United States already prohibits discrimination based on race, sex and age, characteristics usually visible to the eye. Therefore controlling access to data isn t necessarily required to prohibit its misuse. The broader lesson is that people often overreact to novelty.
Public perceptions make a big difference in how technology is accepted.
Something universally accepted in the real world can easily be seen as a sinister plot when amplified by the Internet. Think about that before promoting your new Web site or information collection scheme as something brand-new. Genetics is already paying a big price for public fears. It is especially easy for a government activity to be seen as Orwellian. Robert Gellman is a Washington privacy and information policy consultant.