How can you erase your genetic footprint in the environment?

Invisible is a spray, available next month, that erases 99.5 percent of the DNA it comes into contact with.



Invisible from biogenfutures on Vimeo.

The spray was developed by Heather Dewey-Hagborg, an artist who sometimes examines the interplay of privacy, technology and genetics in her work. For $99, users can buy a spray that allows them to feel secure that their privacy isn’t being compromised by information accidentally left behind. The product’s website features several examples of legitimate use:

• "Acing that interview? Don’t let your genes undermine your confidence. Be invisible."
• "Are you too big to fail? Don’t let DNA spill your secrets. Protect your prestige and be invisible."
• "Dinner with the prospective in-laws going smoothly? Don't let them judge you based on your DNA, be invisible."
• "Exercising your freedom of speech? Be invisible and never get tracked."

Dewey-Hagborg’s work was featured in the October 2013 issue of Government Technology.