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Privacy In Peril: The Stakes of 23andMe's Sale
As the genetic testing company 23andMe approaches a potential bankruptcy sale, lawmakers are zeroing in on a pressing concern: the privacy of over 15 million users’ genetic data. During a recent hearing held by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, committee members voiced serious apprehensions about how customer information might be handled and who could gain access to it. "There are serious concerns about what will happen to this private information," said committee chairman Rep. James Comer. "How will it be stored? What will it be used for?"
One of the most alarming possibilities discussed was that sensitive data could end up in the hands of foreign governments, particularly those the U.S. considers adversarial. Rep. Stephen Lynch highlighted that hostile actors are actively seeking to acquire American data, magnifying the risks associated with the sale of 23andMe.
The Role of 23andMe Leadership
Among those testifying were the company’s founder, Anne Wojcicki, and interim CEO Joe Selsavage. While Wojcicki, who previously resigned in March, is now bidding to take over the company through a nonprofit she created, Selsavage reassured lawmakers that any potential buyers would need to comply with the company’s privacy policies. Nevertheless, that assurance brought little comfort to lawmakers, who pointed to a recent breach in which almost 7 million individuals’ genetic information was compromised.
Growing Concerns Over Data Breaches
Privacy expert Dave Stuart emphasized the real dangers of such breaches, explaining that stolen health data can lead to fraud, impersonation, and discrimination. The fears have prompted action from attorneys general across 27 states, who filed a lawsuit aimed at halting the sale of personal data without prior consent from customers. "23andMe cannot auction millions of people's personal data without their knowledge or consent," they assert.
Conclusion
As the situation unfolds, the ramifications of 23andMe's sale will likely resonate not only with its users but also within broader discussions about data privacy and consumer rights in an increasingly digital age. Keeping an eye on such developments is crucial for anyone concerned about how their personal information is being used and protected.
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