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Tyson Cung
Tyson Cung

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They Want Your DNA to Sell You Perfume

DNA-based personalised fragrances are now real. And the privacy implications are terrifying.

How It Works

Companies analyse your genetic markers to predict which scent molecules you will find most appealing. Spit in a tube, send it off, get your "perfect" fragrance.

Marie Claire called it "too Black Mirror" — and they are not wrong.

The Privacy Problem

When you hand over your DNA to a fragrance company, ask yourself:

  • Who stores your genetic data? Is it encrypted? For how long?
  • Can it be sold? To insurers? Employers? Advertisers?
  • What happens in a breach? You can change a password. You cannot change your DNA.

The Trade-Off

Personalisation is powerful. But your genome is the most personal data you own. Is a nice-smelling perfume worth that risk?


Would you give your DNA for the perfect perfume? Yes or no way? 👇

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