Multiple States Sue 23andMe to Block Sale of Customer Genetic Data Amid Bankruptcy
Twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia are suing 23andMe to prevent the sale of genetic data without customer consent during its bankruptcy proceedings.
One Tech Tip: How to protect your 23andMe genetic data
Associated Press
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Overview
- Twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia have filed a lawsuit against 23andMe in bankruptcy court to protect customer genetic data.
- The lawsuit follows 23andMe's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in March and significant layoffs of 40% of its workforce.
- States argue that customers should retain control over their personal genetic information, especially during the company's financial struggles.
- A court-appointed ombudsman will assess the impact of the proposed sale on consumer privacy and report findings to the court.
- 23andMe's potential sale to Regeneron Pharmaceuticals for $256 million has raised concerns about compliance with privacy laws and customer consent.
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Analysis
Block the sale of 23andMe's genetic data without customer consent to protect personal privacy.
"The company said it wants to pull back on its real estate footprint and has asked the court to reject lease contracts in San Francisco and Sunnyvale, California, and elsewhere to help cut costs."
Associated Press"Biological samples, DNA data, health-related traits and medical records are too sensitive to be sold without each person’s express, informed consent."
NBC News"Biological samples, DNA data, health-related traits and medical records are too sensitive to be sold without each person’s express, informed consent, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a news release about the lawsuit."
ABC News"The lawsuit comes as a biotechnology company seeks the court's approval to buy the struggling firm."
NPR"Biological samples, DNA data, health-related traits and medical records are too sensitive to be sold without each person’s express, informed consent, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a news release about the lawsuit."
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FAQ
Twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia are suing 23andMe over concerns about the sale of personal genetic data without customer consent, particularly amid the company's acquisition by Regeneron.
Regeneron is acquiring 23andMe's Personal Genome Service, Total Health and Research Services business lines, and its Biobank, excluding the Lemonaid Health business.
Regeneron has pledged to ensure compliance with 23andMe's consumer privacy policies and applicable laws regarding the treatment of customer genetic data.
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