Genetic testing company 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and is looking to sell the DNA data of its millions of users. Privacy experts and advocates are concerned about the potential sale of this sensitive genetic information, as users may have no control over where their data ends up. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has warned users about the potential sale and provided instructions on how to delete their genetic data from 23andMe’s database.
There are concerns about the privacy and security implications of selling DNA data, as this information is highly sensitive and cannot be changed like passwords or social security numbers. While 23andMe has stated that they will follow U.S. laws regarding data storage, experts point out that there is little federal regulation around genetic data held by tech companies. HIPAA protections for health data typically do not apply to companies like 23andMe.
The sale of 23andMe should serve as a wake-up call for Americans about the risks of giving their DNA to corporations, as the company’s internal data policies and practices can change at any time. There have been previous instances of data breaches at 23andMe, leading to concerns about the security of user information. Users are urged to be cautious about the privacy implications of genetic testing and to consider the potential risks before sharing their genetic information with companies like 23andMe.
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