The Blackstone Acquisition of Ancestry.com: What You Need to Know About Your DNA Privacy

In a shocking turn of events, Blackstone Inc. has acquired Ancestry.com for a staggering $4.7 billion, securing total ownership of DNA data from every individual who has ever used the service. This acquisition has sparked heated discussions online, with many expressing concerns about privacy and data security.

The news has garnered a mix of reactions. One user commented, "So this was in 2020, looks like," referencing the timeline of the acquisition. Another user pointed out the historical context, "You know this was four years ago," highlighting the ongoing impact of the deal.

A particularly interesting comment came from someone whose aunt meticulously maintains their family tree without relying on DNA tests. "I've got an aunt who maintains my family tree meticulously as a hobby. I'm Scottish, and so far she's gone back about 400 years or so, following every branch over her decades building it up. It's a marvel, and no DNA ever required; we keep records of all this stuff in the UK," the user shared.

Further details about the acquisition reveal the involvement of Blackstone Group Inc's Chief Executive Stephen Schwarzman, a significant political donor. "Further info from the 2020 election cycle: Blackstone Group Inc Chief Executive Stephen Schwarzman has spent more than $27 million so far this year backing U.S. politicians, including President Donald Trump, making him Wall Street's largest campaign contributor," noted another commenter, linking to a Reuters review of regulatory filings.

The acquisition has raised significant privacy concerns. One user cynically remarked on the transaction document's language: "And in the transaction document, there will be a paragraph that is brilliantly crafted saying 'Ancestry.com is no longer responsible for privacy related management and Blackstone won't be held responsible for privacy related promises and agreements made by the previous owner (ancestry.com). Voila!'"

Others echoed these sentiments, questioning the wisdom of sharing DNA data with corporations. "Why would you give your DNA to a company? Who is that stupid?" asked one user. Another user expressed relief at not participating in such services, stating, "Glad I never did any of this."

The implications of this acquisition extend beyond privacy. Concerns about how this data might be used for discriminatory practices were also raised. "The goal with this is to get the tangerine-American elected so he overturns the Affordable Care Act. After that, do you have the genetic marker for Parkinson's? You're dropped. Have Bracha II? You're dropped. Have a family history of Alzheimer's? You're dropped," one user warned.

The conversation also touched on broader societal implications, with one user drawing a historical parallel: "The N***s of old had some problems sorting out the Jews/Roma-Sinti etc. Thanks to Ancestry.com it'll be much easier to sort out those with certain origins or mixed blood. Welcome to the fascists' world."

The acquisition by Blackstone has undeniably stirred a pot of controversy, reflecting broader anxieties about data privacy, corporate power, and societal impacts. As the world watches how this unfolds, it remains crucial to stay informed and vigilant about how personal data is managed and protected.