Issue Genetic discrimination from routine use of biological data

Summary

The report suggests that routine use of biological data could raise ethical concerns and increase the risk of genetic discrimination and stigma. Genetic screening for health insurance is given as a leading example. The report already counts insurer access to biological data, targeting of individuals by genomic profile and biometric surveillance among its ethical concerns. In linking the issue to vulnerable people, it warns that biodata could be used to discriminate genetically against those who already face inequality. At present the 2018 Code on Genetic Testing and Insurance limits insurers' use of genomic information, and biological data is protected under GDPR and the Data Protection Act.