title: It depends whose data are being shared: considerations for genomic data sharing policies.
abstract: There is an urgent need for consistent data sharing policies that promote the advancement of science while respecting the values and interests of those providing their genetic data for research. Responding to the article of Jalayne J. Arias, Genevieve Pham-Kanter, and Eric G. Campbell, 'The Growth and Gaps of Genetic Data Sharing Policies in the United States', this commentary further explores the challenges of human subjects' protection in existing data sharing policies. We will elaborate on the need for data sharing policies to accommodate variation in individual and group preferences around data sharing and privacy concerns by comparing our previously published data on patients' and parents' consent to data sharing and attitudes about privacy to data from focus groups with HIV-positive, underserved individuals who were asked about their willingness to participate in genetic research and share their data broadly. These studies support the observation of Arias, Pham-Kanter, and Campbell that researchers, and funding agencies will need to balance the privacy interests of groups as well as individuals in future genomic data sharing policies.
authors: Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors: Jill O
authors: JO
authors: Robinson
authors: School of Public Health and Health Sciences, Division of Community Health Education, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
authors: Melody J
authors: MJ
authors: Slashinski
authors: Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Houston Health Services Research and Development Center of Excellence, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Chiao
authors: Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors: Amy L
authors: AL
authors: McGuire
keywords: data sharing; genomic; policy; privacy; research; trust