How Does Living DNA Protect Privacy?
Transparency comes first with Living DNA - there is no fine print or hidden terms when it comes to sharing your DNA with them. They only collect the data that is essential for providing accurate reports. Many extras included in the price of the kits are on an opt-in basis. Kits include instructions and access to customer support on how to utilize these services. But you can feel confident you have control over your individual involvement.
Living DNA never sells your information to third parties. It will be stored in their database, but never broadcast to outside entities. You can choose to participate in anonymous research, but your DNA will not be shared until you provide explicit consent through Living DNA.
Based in England, Living DNA is beyond the reach of U.S. courts that will occasionally attempt to subpoena DNA data from U.S.-based companies.
To maintain confidentiality, your kit will include a random barcode. This barcode is used for processing your samples, so your identity is unknown to people working in the lab.. You can rest easy knowing your personal information is always stored separately from your DNA sample.
The data servers at Living DNA are regularly updated, maintained, and monitored closely. Cybersecurity is always taken seriously by Living DNA. If you would like your data deleted from the system, that option is available to you at any point.
Matching DNA With Relatives
DNA matching offered by Living DNA allows you to connect with relatives from around the globe. This is an opt-in service offered and will require you to log in and change your preferences once you have purchased a kit.
Your DNA will be compared with other Living DNA customers who have opted into this program. Once you receive a match, you both will see how closely related you are based on the amount of DNA you share.
The matching portal includes a messaging system, so you can even say hi or strike up a conversation with that third cousin twice removed.
For your safety and privacy, you always have the option of blocking certain users, which you would rather not contact you.
NOTE: Relative matching is a new feature. In the short term you should expect to see far fewer matches than you would with AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, or Family Finder from Family Tree DNA. Over time, we expect the volume to increase.
Living DNA’s Prices and Details
Your DNA Starter Kit
The basic starter kit offered by Living DNA is one of the most competitively priced packages on the market at $49. Other companies can cost you twice as much.Includes global ancestry, nutrition report, and insights into your fitness
- DNA matching to potential relatives
- Covers eight continental regions
If your curiosity is focused on basic genetics and ancestry, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better alternative. The others on the market simply can’t compete with the price of this kit.
Your DNA Ancestry Kit
The next kit up from the starter pack includes your recent ancestry, sub-regional and extended ancestry, and the new service of DNA matching, so that you can find your long lost relatives. All this costs a little more than the starter pack but is still good value at $99..
- Looks back at your direct paternal and maternal ancestry up to 80,000 years in the past
- Detailed view of recent ancestry from the last 500 years
- Sub-regional breakdown and optional additional insights
This is a fantastic test for those interested in their family ties and history. It gives you bags of knowledge about the makeup of your DNA.
You DNA Wellbeing Kit
The wellbeing reports are also a good value. It focuses on your DNA and how that could impact health and nutrition needs. This DNA kit for health is entirely focused on fitness and even gives you tips for what to eat and how to exercise. It sets itself apart from the other options offered by similar companies and is priced at $129.
- Explanation of vitamin response and food metabolism
- Exercise and recovery ideas and nutritional advice
- Professional exercise regimes based on your genetic makeup
This pack is an ideal choice for those with a family history of health concerns or problems they suspect are related to their genetic makeup. You can answer questions about your medical situation like never before.
Your DNA Ancestry & Wellbeing Kit
The top of the range option gives you all of the above and more. This combo is one of the best you can get no matter which company you choose, and will set you back $179.
- Everything from the above packages is included
- DNA matching and your DNA today
- Understand the full depths of your ancestry and health
Whether you use the ancestry kit solo or as part of the combo, it offers one of the most detailed and sophisticated ancestry reports available - well worth the money spent. This option is for those most serious about their history and health.
Extra Details
There is a shipping fee for receiving the kit, and costs are based on where you are located in the world. You can choose standard shipping, or pay a little extra for expedited. But returning the sample is free of cost.
Want to learn more before you buy? Living DNA invites you to join a free 7-day email course that teaches all about DNA. Better yet, it can help you understand which kit is the right one for you.
Summary
In the sea of DNA and ancestry services, Living DNA is rapidly becoming a powerful competitor. Their simple, user-friendly methods allow anyone to access information on their DNA and ancestry. And the robust security methods employed at Living DNA ensure your privacy and the safety of all data you provide.
From your recent DNA to your nutrition, Living DNA gives you a closer look than ever at how your genes make you who you are. If you’ve ever wondered how your DNA affects your day-to-day life, Living DNA can answer questions that were previously a mystery.
Their intricate database can narrow down your origins more specifically than any other DNA service. Their online services can connect relatives from every corner of the planet - provided they’ve bought a kit and opted into the service. As far as prices, they offer as much and sometimes more than the leading competition.
