The openSNP project, a platform for sharing genetic and phenotypic data, will cease operations and delete all user data on April 30, 2025. This decision, announced by co-founder Bastian Greshake Tzovaras, cites growing privacy concerns and the potential for misuse by authoritarian governments.
openSNP, a free and open-source platform, allowed users to upload and share their genetic information for research and educational purposes. Its goal was to democratize access to genetic data, challenging the dominance of commercial DNA testing companies.
Over its 14-year lifespan, it became a significant repository of genetic data, used in various research projects, including debunking flawed studies. Most of the data came from users who had their genomes sequenced by 23andMe.
With 23andMe’s recent bankruptcy filing, the influx of new data to openSNP has stopped. Tzovaras expressed concern about the potential for misuse of the existing data, particularly by private forensic firms, law enforcement, and governments.
Tzovaras explained the decision: “The risk/benefit calculus of providing free & open access to individual genetic data in 2025 is very different compared to 14 years ago,” “And so, sunsetting openSNP – along with deleting the data stored within it – feels like it is the most responsible act of stewardship for these data today.”
Despite rejecting corporate offers to buy the data, openSNP’s founders believe the risks of continuing outweigh the benefits, given the changing ethical, political, and social landscape.
The platform will shut down at the end of April, with all user data permanently deleted. While users aren’t explicitly instructed to take action, they can download their data until April 30th. However, removing the centralized source reduces the data’s discoverability.
