openSNP to Close: Genetic Data Privacy Concerns & Political Climate

OpenSNP to Cease Operations and Delete User Data

OpenSNP, a substantial open-source platform for user-submitted genetic information, is scheduled to be discontinued, with all stored data slated for deletion by the end of April. This announcement was confirmed by the platform’s co-founder, Bastian Greshake Tzovaras.

Data Privacy Concerns Drive Decision

According to a recent blog post, the decision to close openSNP stems from escalating concerns regarding data privacy. These concerns have been amplified by the recent financial difficulties experienced by 23andMe and the increasing prevalence of authoritarian regimes globally.

A History of Open Genetic Data

Established in 2011 by Bastian Greshake Tzovaras, Philipp Bayer, and Helge Rausch, openSNP functioned as a publicly accessible repository. It allowed individuals who had utilized commercial genetic testing services, such as 23andMe, to upload their results.

Users could then connect with others sharing similar genetic markers. At the time of the shutdown announcement, the site supported nearly 13,000 users, positioning it as one of the largest publicly available collections of genetic data.

Throughout its existence, openSNP emphasized its contributions to both academic and scientific research, having identified over 7,500 genomes.

23andMe's Bankruptcy and Data Security

The news of openSNP’s closure coincides with 23andMe’s filing for bankruptcy protection. This situation has heightened anxieties that the company’s extensive database of sensitive genetic information may be sold.

Potential buyers might not uphold 23andMe’s existing privacy standards. Attorneys general from states including California and New York have advised 23andMe customers to proactively delete their data prior to the anticipated court-approved sale later this year.

Political Climate as a Contributing Factor

Greshake Tzovaras also highlighted the “rise in far-right and other authoritarian governments” as a factor influencing the decision. He specifically referenced the removal of publicly accessible data from U.S. government websites following the return of President Trump to office.

A Shift in Risk Assessment

“The balance between the risks and benefits of offering free and open access to individual genetic data in 2025 is markedly different than it was 14 years ago,” Greshake Tzovaras explained.

He further stated that discontinuing openSNP and deleting its data represents the most responsible course of action for safeguarding this information in the current environment.

Data stewardship is paramount in the face of evolving threats to privacy.

A Delicate Equilibrium: The Closure of openSNP

Upon being contacted by TechCrunch, Greshake Tzovaras directly addressed the reasoning behind the decision to discontinue openSNP, and why this action wasn't taken earlier.

The impetus for this closure, according to Greshake Tzovaras, a German national, stems from what he characterizes as a “fascist coup” unfolding within the United States.

He described the recent arrests carried out during immigration enforcement operations, including those involving U.S. citizens, and the subsequent uncertainty surrounding the whereabouts of some individuals, as deeply concerning and indicative of authoritarian practices.

A significant contributing factor to the shutdown of openSNP was the perceived “wholesale dismantling of scientific institutions and the discipline of science itself” that has occurred since the beginning of the current presidential term.

Greshake Tzovaras expressed apprehension that genetic data could be exploited to support unsubstantiated claims, potentially ushering in a resurgence of harmful eugenic ideologies.

Maintaining openSNP, he explained, has “always been a balancing act” between its potential benefits and inherent risks, constantly requiring evaluation of whether the advantages could truly outweigh the dangers.

He cited the 2018 case involving law enforcement’s use of GEDmatch genetic data to identify a serial killer as a point of comparison, noting that at the time, openSNP appeared less vulnerable to such requests compared to larger, ancestry-focused databases. (Greshake Tzovaras confirmed to TechCrunch that, despite the openly available nature of its data, openSNP had never received any requests for genetic or user information from law enforcement agencies.)

Greshake Tzovaras distinguished the current situation from the previous administration, stating that “the misuse of science is now both more substantial in scope and fundamentally different in nature.”

Considering the broader context, including the bankruptcy of 23andMe, the decision was made to cease operations, as Greshake Tzovaras conveyed to TechCrunch.

Looking back, Greshake Tzovaras highlighted the 14-year lifespan of openSNP as potentially his “biggest achievement.” The platform operated on a modest budget of approximately $100 per month, contrasting with commercial ventures aiming to profit from personal data that ultimately proved unsuccessful.

In this regard, openSNP “feels like a demonstration of the strength of open source/culture,” according to Greshake Tzovaras.

The site has also been a valuable resource for research and publications spanning diverse fields – ranging from information security and privacy to biomedical investigations, he noted. Furthermore, numerous students benefited from access to real-world data hosted on openSNP.

“In that respect, I believe our aim of ‘democratizing’ access to genomics was at least partially realized,” Greshake Tzovaras concluded.

This article has been updated to ensure consistent use of openSNP’s name.