Buying Your Self on the Internet: Wrap Contracts and Personal Genomics

The book explores the rise of the direct-to-consumer genetic testing industry (DTC) and its use of wrap contracts, highlighting challenges for societies and regulation. It also examines broader issues with online contracting through the contracts of DTC companies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2021
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

The direct-to-consumer genetic testing industry (DTC) has experienced significant growth in recent years, with companies offering genetic testing services directly to consumers without the need for a healthcare provider's referral. This industry has been driven by advances in technology, including DNA sequencing and genetic analysis, which have made genetic testing more accessible and affordable. However, the rise of DTC has also raised several ethical, legal, and social issues, including the potential for genetic discrimination, privacy breaches, and the misuse of genetic information.

One of the key challenges facing the DTC industry is the use of wrap contracts. Wrap contracts are contracts that are designed to cover a wide range of products and services, including genetic testing. These contracts are often long and complex, and they can be difficult for consumers to understand. They may also contain provisions that are unfair or deceptive, such as hidden fees or limitations on the use of genetic information.

The DTC industry has been criticized for using wrap contracts to exploit consumers. For example, some companies have been accused of charging high prices for genetic testing services, even though the cost of the testing is relatively low. Others have been accused of using genetic information to market other products or services, without the consumer's consent.

In response to these concerns, some governments have taken steps to regulate the DTC industry. For example, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued regulations that require DTC companies to provide clear and accurate information about their genetic testing services. The FDA has also required companies to obtain informed consent from consumers before collecting their genetic information.

However, even with these regulations in place, there are still concerns about the use of wrap contracts in the DTC industry. For example, some companies may still use hidden fees or limitations on the use of genetic information to make their services more attractive to consumers. Others may use genetic information to market other products or services without the consumer's consent.

To address these concerns, some companies have begun to use more transparent and consumer-friendly contracts. For example, some companies have started to offer flat-rate pricing for genetic testing services, and they have made it easier for consumers to understand the terms of their contracts. Others have started to use genetic information to provide personalized health recommendations, rather than to market other products or services.

In addition to the use of wrap contracts, the DTC industry has also raised several broader issues with online contracting. For example, online contracting can be difficult for consumers to understand, and it can be vulnerable to fraud and abuse. Some companies may use fake websites or email addresses to collect consumer information, and they may use false or misleading information to sell their products or services.

To address these issues, some governments have taken steps to regulate online contracting. For example, the European Union has issued regulations that require online companies to provide clear and accurate information about their products and services, and to obtain informed consent from consumers before collecting their personal information.

In conclusion, the direct-to-consumer genetic testing industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with companies offering genetic testing services directly to consumers without the need for a healthcare provider's referral. However, the rise of DTC has also raised several ethical, legal, and social issues, including the potential for genetic discrimination, privacy breaches, and the misuse of genetic information. To address these concerns, some governments have taken steps to regulate the DTC industry, and some companies have begun to use more transparent and consumer-friendly contracts. However, there are still concerns about the use of wrap contracts and online contracting, and it will be important for governments and companies to continue to work together to address these issues.

Weight: 484g
Dimension: 154 x 232 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474484305