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OpenSNP, a pioneering open-source platform that allowed individuals to share their consumer DNA test results for scientific research, is set to close its doors and delete its database on April 30, 2025. Launched 14 years ago, OpenSNP thrived on community contributions and became an invaluable resource for genetic research. However, concerns regarding the growing misuse of genetic data have led to the decision to shut it down.
Bastian Greshake Tzovaras, the founder of OpenSNP, explained in a recent blog post that the “rise in far-right and other authoritarian governments” worldwide, coupled with the increasing use of genetic data by law enforcement agencies, made it too risky to continue operating the platform. What started as an effort to share genetic data for medical research has shifted, Tzovaras explained, emphasizing that law enforcement, not biomedical researchers, has become the primary consumer of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic data.
The growing interest from governments and corporations in genetic information has raised serious privacy concerns. Tzovaras pointed out the increasing role of genetic data in controversial practices like DNA phenotyping, where physical traits are inferred from genetic information. This, he noted, could lead to potential harm, particularly if such data is used by authorities for surveillance or targeting vulnerable populations.
The decision to shut down OpenSNP also coincides with mounting alarms regarding the commercial DNA testing industry. The bankruptcy and urgency to sell 23andMe has compounded concerns regarding the exploitation of genetic data. Tzovaras has been reflecting on the broader implications of his platform’s closure, acknowledging that while OpenSNP contributed to scientific inquiry, it is concerning that it could be used for intentions that could be unethical or endanger individuals’ privacy.
In the face of these growing threats, Tzovaras has prioritized the protection of individuals over the potential benefits of genetic research, opting to delete all stored data permanently. OpenSNP’s shutdown marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate about the ethical use of genetic information in an increasingly surveilled world.
