Risk of re-identification of epigenetic methylation data: a more nuanced response is needed

Joly, Y., Dyke, S.O.M., Cheung, W.A., Rothstein, M.A., Pastinen, T., “Risk of re-identification of epigenetic methylation data: a more nuanced response is needed” 7:1 (2015) Clinical Epigenetics 1-3.

In this letter to the editor, we respond to the recent publication by Philibert et al. Methylation array data can simultaneously identify individuals and convey protected health information: an unrecognized ethical concern (Clinical Epigenetics 2014, 6:28). Further discussion of the issues raised by the risk of re-identification of epigenetic methylation data is needed, and a more nuanced approach should be taken with respect to its implications for data sharing policy than the one provided.

This content has been updated on January, 6 2016 at 15 h 57 min.