- United States
- S.C.
- Letter
I am writing as a concerned citizen from Conway, South Carolina, to express serious concerns regarding the proposed national autism registry, which seeks to collect and use private health data without individuals' informed consent.
While I support the pursuit of medical research and public health advancements, this proposal raises significant ethical, legal, and privacy issues:
1. Privacy Violations
Aggregating health data—such as genomic information, insurance claims, and data from wearable devices—without explicit consent is a violation of personal privacy and medical autonomy.
2. Security Risks
Storing such a vast amount of sensitive personal data in one place increases the risk of hacking, breaches, and misuse by unauthorized parties.
3. Lack of Consent and Transparency
There has been little public explanation or opportunity for feedback, raising questions about accountability and oversight.
4. Dangerous Precedent
Implementing a tracking system for medical conditions without opt-in permission could set a concerning standard for future government policies.
I urge you to oppose any effort to implement this registry or data collection system without full transparency, oversight, and clear consent-based protections. Please advocate for policies that protect citizens’ rights while supporting ethical research.
Thank you for your time and service.