IBM Pledges to Assure Privacy of Employees' Genetic Profile
STEVE LOHR/The New York Times
NEW YORK As concerns grow that genetic information could become a modern tool of discrimination, IBM plans Monday to announce a new work force privacy policy.
International Business Machines, a major employer and the largest technology company in the world, is promising not to use genetic information in hiring or in determining eligibility for its health care or benefits plans. Genetics policy experts and privacy rights groups say that the pledge by IBM to its more than 300,000 employees worldwide appears to be the first by a major corporation.
The new IBM policy, which comes as the U.S. Congress is considering legislation on genetic privacy, is a response to the growing trend in medical research to focus on individuals' genetic propensity for diseases in hopes of tailoring treatments to specific medical needs.
Gene tests are not yet widespread, but start-up companies are already intent on developing a market for genetic testing and counseling for individuals. And beyond corporate good will, IBM has a business stake in promoting genetic data gathering and processing, as a leading information technology company with a growing presence in the medical industry.
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