23andMe Genetic Testing Kit (Source: AFP)

​

Recently, the US Department of Defense shared an internal memo recommending military officials not to conduct civilian DNA tests, the foreign media reported. According to the memo, the Pentagon sees it as a potential threat to national security because of the risk of personal information being leaked or tracked by genetic analysis tests.

​

In particular, they said they are more concerned because they are encouraging members of the military to use discount bait.

​

The memo was obtained from military site military.com, which Yahoo News first reported. The memorandum was signed by Joseph D. Kernan, US Under Secretary of Defense Intelligence and James Stewart, Deputy Secretary of Human Resources.

Private genetic analysis firms such as 23andMe, Ancestry and Living DNA are selling home DNA test kits that provide a detailed look at gene profiles. The tests tell you everything from genetics to appetite, ancestor information, and your child's appearance.

​

The memo was shared shortly before Christmas, taking into account the increasing sales of genetic analysis kits as Christmas gifts.

​

According to the New York Times, Anne Sestrie denied selling soldiers as targets. It also said it will take various measures to protect personal information. A spokesman for 23 & M said, “We will not share information with third parties without your individual and explicit consent.”

​

Unlike the elucidation of the genetic analysis companies that perform the tests, the Department of Defense explained that related companies operate without special restrictions and that the risks could be increased due to unintended security issues and mission performance.

​

This is not a concern. As genetic test kits have become so popular, ethical and legal issues have already been raised. Some companies have shared the information collected with law enforcement or sold it to third parties.

​

Department of Defense spokesman Sean Robertson said, "We want all service users to be aware of the dangers of direct to consumer (DTC) genetic testing." It did not mention in detail what security threats the Department of Defense is directly concerned about.