[sneak]

My approach was to buy a temporary domain with a cash prepaid gift card, register it with a fake name from a VPN, set up email (also via VPN), do the DNA thing (via VPN) with a fake name and an email address at the new domain, download my data (VPN), then delete the account.

The only thing linking it to my existing identity is the actual DNA data itself, which is probably insufficient for insurance companies or data brokers to relate it to my existing records for discrimination purposes.

[djmips]

But if other members of your family submit their DNA with their real identities, then possibly you can then be identified like how they caught the Golden State Killer.

[crumpled]

It's true. This can only work for a little while, then all your hard work is gone forever. Your identity is hard-coded.

Anonymous is definitely Debby's dad, and Bills cousin. Other datasets indicate that Debby's dad and Bills cousin's name is John Johnson. Therefore, Anonymous is John Johnson.

[sneak]

You’re right. I should probably make a point not to go on a multidecade killing spree, given the circumstances.

[djmips]

You go to all the trouble to be anonymous and then have a flippant response to a real way your efforts could be undone. I mean, you shouldn't go on the killing spree regardless.

[sneak]

It’s an attack that can’t be mitigated; having controlled for all of the variables in my control, the only thing to do about those that are not is make jokes.

It also presumes they lied and didn’t delete my data on request.

[robk]

Nah go ahead give it a whirl