As concerns grow that genetic information could become a tool of discrimination, IBM plans to announce a new workforce privacy policy today.
IBM, the world's largest technology company by revenue, is promising not to use genetic information in hiring or in determining eligibility for its health care or benefits plans. Genetics policy specialists and privacy rights groups say that the IBM pledge to its more than 300,000 employees worldwide appears to be the first such move by a major corporation.
The new policy, which comes as Congress is considering legislation on genetic privacy, is a response to the trend in medical research to focus on a person's genetic propensity for disease in hopes of tailoring treatments to specific medical needs.
Gene tests are not yet widespread, but start-up companies are intent on developing a market for genetic testing and counseling. 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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