The article highlights growing concerns about China's acquisition of Americans' genetic information and the potential national security risks associated with it. Advances in biotechnology have amplified these concerns, with fears that DNA data could be used to develop targeted bioweapons.
Due to the lack of federal action, several states are taking the initiative to pass legislation protecting genetic data. As of November 2024, 13 states had enacted laws regulating direct-to-consumer genetic testing, while others were considering similar measures. These laws aim to prevent foreign adversaries, particularly China, from accessing genetic information.
Experts warn that China's collection of Americans' DNA and healthcare information poses a significant threat. This is fuelled by Chinese publications mentioning ‘ethnic genetic attacks’, and China's military-civil fusion mandate that compels information sharing with the military and intelligence agencies. The Heritage Foundation's biotechnology analyst, Emma Waters, also expressed concern over potential national security risks and urged scrutiny of applications for biotechnology contracts using federal funding.
While Congress has not yet passed a comprehensive bill, the BIOSECURE Act and the Genomic Data Protection Act have been reintroduced, aiming to restrict the use of foreign adversary biotech companies, such as BGI Group and its subsidiaries, by federally funded medical providers. The bill also includes provisions for consumers to delete their genomic data and biological samples.
China's significant investments in biotechnology and the pursuit of creating the largest global genetic database are points of major concern. Research involving gene-editing to increase human radiation resistance and the potential misuse of in vitro gametogenesis (IVG) to create genetically modified soldiers are highlighted as examples of potentially dangerous pursuits.
The article emphasizes the potential misuse of biotechnology by the Chinese government, citing publications and comments by Chinese military officials suggesting the use of biological weapons in 'ethnic genetic attacks'. Concerns over China's access to large genetic databases, the possibility of drones being used to deliver biological weapons, and past instances of Chinese companies like BGI and WuXi AppTec obtaining access to American genetic data through partnerships and contracts with US institutions are also discussed.