A legal battle unfolds over the privacy of genetic data between 23andMe and twenty-seven states.
Twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia have filed a lawsuit against 23andMe in an effort to protect consumers’ genetic data from being sold without consent. The lawsuit questions the ownership and privacy rights related to genetic information, particularly following the company’s recent bankruptcy filing and a significant data breach affecting millions of customers. Additionally, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has expressed interest in acquiring 23andMe but with privacy concerns pending review. This case could set important precedents for genetic data regulations and consumer consent.
In a significant move stirring up a lot of conversation, twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia have joined forces to take legal action against the popular genetic testing company, 23andMe. These states filed a lawsuit in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Missouri, aiming to block 23andMe from selling customers’ personal genetic data without their consent. This lawsuit raises some serious questions about privacy, ownership, and consent in the realm of genetic information.
Founded back in 2006, 23andMe became a household name, allowing customers to send in saliva samples to discover everything from their ancestry to genetic health traits. The company went public in 2021, but since then, it has faced challenges finding a solid business model that brings in profits. Fast forward to March 2025, and the company found itself filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and letting go of about 40% of its workforce—quite a shake-up!
Oregon’s Attorney General has highlighted that biological samples and health-related data are extremely sensitive and should not be sold without clear and informed consent from customers. The lawsuit is pushing back against 23andMe’s claim of ownership over customers’ genetic data, insisting that people have a fundamental right to control their own biological materials, especially when it comes to privacy issues.
In a twist to the story, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has announced its intention to acquire 23andMe for a whopping $256 million. They’ve reassured the public that they will adhere strictly to 23andMe’s privacy policies as well as all relevant laws concerning customer data. However, there’s a catch—it’s not entirely smooth sailing yet. A court-appointed independent consumer privacy ombudsman is currently reviewing the proposed sale to assess how it will impact consumer privacy.
On top of their bankruptcy woes, 23andMe suffered a significant data breach back in October 2023, which affected about half of their 14 million customers. This led to a class-action lawsuit and resulted in a $30 million settlement for those impacted. Customers who were part of the breach can file claims that may even see them receive up to $10,000 for extraordinary claims. It’s quite the shake-up for anyone concerned about data security!
This lawsuit is not just about 23andMe. It throws a spotlight on larger societal issues regarding how genetic data is treated, ownership rights, and what consent really means in this digital age. As lawmakers delve deeper into these practices, many are questioning how companies like 23andMe handle consent for selling genetic data.
The outcome of this legal battle could pave the way for future regulations on genetic data, perhaps setting a major precedent for how such information is processed and utilized. With concerns about customer consent at the forefront, we could witness significant changes in how genetic testing companies operate moving forward. As intrigued observers, we’ll be keenly watching how this unfolds—our genetic data might just be at the heart of a new legal revolution!
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