TAIPEI, TAIWAN, Mar. 31, 2021 – With an increase in niche consumer targeted genomic testing kits circulating the market, there has been increased interest in genomics and its potential applications. This boom can be likened to the demand of oil or solar energy. Big data literally and figuratively powers all forms of industry in information-based markets. This detail of modern research and commerce leads to the important clash within these fields. When the Human Genome Project was launched in the early 1990s, it was done so in a very transparent manner. All of the data that was produced by the Human Genome Project was governed by the rules set out with the Bermuda Principles, which was drafted between 1996 to 1998. The Bermuda Principles state that genomic data must be disclosed to the public in ways that respect the privacy of participants. All of the data discovered through this endeavor was made public, which has led to genomics booming over the course of the last two decades. Advocates argue that genetic data should have legislation that protects the identities of consumers. While these enactments may seem slow, consumer privacy should be a top priority and we here at WASAI fully endorse moves to continue the good work that genomics provides while protecting participant privacy.
Looking at initiatives for the Ethical Analysis for Genomic Technologies
One of the potential solutions to the ethical issues that revolve around genomics is biobanking. Biobanks generally are used for research purposes. They provide researchers access to genetic data from large portions of representative populations. The foundation for biobanks is trust between researchers, participants and institutions. There are numerous biobanks across the world that are used for research purposes. In order for biobanks to be ethically responsible, they need to be governed by strict privacy legislation. This is a relatively new field, and community trust is important to be maintained by researchers and companies that use that research to create treatment options. Biobanks and the Bermuda Principles both demonstrate cases in which genomics can be carried out responsibly in a way that is ethical and bridges trust between researchers and the public.
What does this mean for WASAI Technology?
WASAI understand the public concerns that circulate due to privacy concerns. As a company that specializes in Bio-IT and provides the Genomics Analysis Acceleration solution(s), we are very invested in this topic because we know that our customers are as well. As such, we take great strides in ensuring that the data of our consumers is protected. We recognize that at this very moment, we as a globalized society stand at the precipice of a paradigm shift that will change how health care works. The Human Genome Project opened the world to the potential of precision medicine that is guided by genomics. The Bermuda principles were established with the understanding that while genomics is promising, the concerns of the public must be listened to. Biobanks serve as a means for research that respects the privacy of its participants. Biobanks produce and store massive quantities of data. WASAI is prepared to share in this endeavor by developing the tools researchers need to manage and analyze that data. It is also important to note that, for our users, we provide the bioinformatic tools to accelerate genome sequencing, each individual data is anonymous and owned by the users. Therefore, we would like to reinforce that there is no risk of privacy leakage from us at WASAI, rest assured.
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About WASAI Technology Inc.
WASAI Technology's mission is to deliver acceleration technologies of High-Performance Data Analysis (HPDA) in future data centers for targeted vertical applications with massive volumes and high velocities of scientific data. To strengthen and advance scientific discovery and technological research via big data-intensive acceleration in high-performance computing, WASAI Technology aims to improve commercialization and commoditization of scientific and technological applications.
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