Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

If, outside of our control, your password and mine matched except for one character and that near match was public knowledge, would you object to me publishing my password here in cleartext?

There's a big difference between publishing your own thoughts - which may have nothing to do with what your family thinks - and publishing your DNA, which is inextricably tied to that of your family. It's my data, which I have a "natural" right to share as I see fit, but it's also very similar to yours, which you have a right to keep private. These rights are incompatible, one has to give.



A password isn't a good analogy for a DNA, imo. DNA only identifies you-- it doesn't unlock additional information about what you've done in the past like a password might. So a closer analogy would be a username.

Then given my username was found somewhere, with that public knowledge of us being one character off, publishing your username would identify me as that user. And I'm not sure that would be wrong.

It's also illustrative that a username is "public" information you might share with someone while a password is private. And I think that's why I'm of the opinion that DNA isn't private information.


> If, outside of our control, your password and mine matched except for one character and that near match was public knowledge, would you object to me publishing my password here in cleartext?

I would certainly prefer that you not do that, but I don't think I should be able to to compel you not to. this is sort of a weird example because there's no clear benefit to posting your password.

a similar example: you and I both live in the same apartment building. you really hate my best friend and don't want them to know where you live. my best friend already knows that you and I live in the same apartment building. should you be able to prevent me from giving my address to my friend so we can hang out?


Ok how about imagine that friend was stalker. Someone potentially dangerous to me and those around me. They know we live in the same building so yes in that case it would make perfectly sense that I could compel you not to give away your address to that person.


imo that's only reasonable if we're actually roommates. if not, you should pursue a restraining order against this person, not try to restrict me from releasing my own address.


I do not know. It seems and interesting and difficult question!


What’s special about DNA here? What about aspects of one’s phenotype? Should I be able to publish that I have a certain condition that is known to be genetic?




Consider applying for YC's Fall 2025 batch! Applications are open till Aug 4

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: