Genetic Data Sharing Platform OpenSNP to Shut Down Over Privacy and Political Concerns

• OpenSNP announced imminent closure and the pending deletion of all stored data.
• Concerns over data privacy and the global rise in authoritarian governance were the primary factors for the decision.
• The company’s co-founder cited the misuse of genomic information by governments or third parties.

OpenSNP, an open-source repository for user-uploaded genetic data, has announced its imminent closure and the planned deletion of all stored data by the end of April 2025 due to escalating concerns over data privacy and the global rise in authoritarian governance.

Co-founder Bastian Greshake Tzovaras outlined several reasons for terminating the service. Chief among them were heightened fears about the misuse of genetic data in a politically volatile landscape. 

The recent return of President Trump and the rise of authoritarian policies in the U.S. were specifically highlighted, with instances of public data removals from federal databases and detainments of individuals under obscure legal pretexts adding to privacy concerns.

Compounding these factors is the ongoing situation with DNA-testing firm 23andMe, which recently filed for bankruptcy. Legal and privacy advocates have warned that 23andMe’s financial turmoil could result in the company’s vast data stores being sold, potentially exposing sensitive genetic information to misuse. 

This predicament raised broader awareness about the inherent risks of genetic data repositories and placed platforms like OpenSNP under the spotlight.

The misuse of genomic information by governments or third parties is an increasingly pressing issue, especially in a world where the lines between privacy and surveillance are becoming more blurred.

Greshake Tzovaras also highlighted instances where genetic data has been co-opted for unintended purposes by law enforcement.

Tzovaras reflected on OpenSNP’s 14-year legacy as both a vital academic resource and a touchstone in conversations about genetic data ethics, considering the shutdown as “the most responsible action” to be taken these days.

Founded in 2011, OpenSNP quickly established itself as a pioneering repository where users of commercial genetic testing kits, such as those offered by 23andMe, could publicly share their genetic data. 

Its contributions to scientific research were notable, with over 7,500 genomes indexed and numerous academic studies benefiting from the platform’s easily accessible data. OpenSNP’s mission was to democratize access to genomic data, providing a valuable resource for researchers, undergraduates, and enthusiasts alike.