Genetic Data Sell-Off Sparks Legal Backlash Against 23andMe
Legal Counsel Submit Court Case Protesting 23andMe's Selling of Individual Genetic Information
Taking things a step further, 23andMe's decision to peddle customers' genetic data has sparked a fierce legal battle.
"This ain't just data, it's your DNA," Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield declared in a fiery statement. "Folks didn't submit their personal data to 23andMe believing their genetic blueprint would later be hocked to the highest bidder."
A formidable coalition of 28 states, including the District of Columbia, has banded together to challenge 23andMe's controversial move. They've taken their grievances to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Eastern District of Missouri, filing a lawsuit aimed at blocking the genetics company's plan to offload customers' data.
In the complaint, the attorneys general argue that 23andMe should seek consent from each customer before allowing their data to be traded. The company, now shoulder-deep in bankruptcy proceedings, has already struck a deal to sell itself and its assets, including the genetic information of those who had purchased DNA testing kits.
According to The New York Times, the lawsuit was unleashed upon the court on Monday. The lawsuit claims that the sale of customers' genetic data compromises "an unprecedented compilation of highly sensitive and immutable personal data."
Data privacy and security have been under the spotlight for quite some time now, and this latest development is no exception. Pennsylvania Attorney Dave Sunday echoed Rayfield's sentiments, stating that the customers who shelled out money for 23andMe's services didn't anticipate their sensitive data would one day line the pockets of the highest bidders.
"23andMe is trying to dodge their obligations to consumers byJust labeling this sale and transfer of consumer data as a 'change of ownership'," Sunday said. "I urge 23andMe customers to consider wiping their data from the company's database."
23andMe has brushed off the lawsuit, claiming it's baseless. The company maintains that the sale of genetic information was permissible under its privacy policies and all relevant laws.
"Customers will maintain the same rights and protections in the hands of the winning bidder," 23andMe asserted, adding a note of defiance.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has shown interest in acquiring the company, offering upwards of $256 million for its assets. The drugmaker assured that it would respect 23andMe's privacy policies and process customer data in accordance with the initial terms and conditions.
Consumers can take steps to protect their genetic data by deleting their accounts, requesting destruction of test samples, and revoking research consent—although these measures don't entirely eliminate the risks associated with previously shared data.
As we tread into uncharted waters, the question remains: Can 23andMe sell customers' genetic data without explicit and informed consent? The answer, it seems, will unfold in the courtroom.
- The controversial move by 23andMe to sell customers' genetic data has sparked a legal battle.
- Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield described the sale of genetic data as a breach of trust.
- A coalition of 28 states, including the District of Columbia, has taken 23andMe to court over the issue.
- The attorneys general argue that customers should be asked for consent before their data is traded.
- The lawsuit claims that the sale of customers' genetic data compromises sensitive personal data.
- Data privacy and security issues have gained prominence in recent times.
- Pennsylvania Attorney Dave Sunday shares Rayfield's concerns, stating that customers were not anticipating their sensitive data would be sold.
- 23andMe has dismissed the lawsuit as baseless.
- The company insists that the sale of genetic information was permissible under its privacy policies and applicable laws.
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has shown interest in acquiring 23andMe for $256 million.
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals claims it will adhere to 23andMe's privacy policies.
- Consumers can protect their genetic data by deleting accounts, destroying test samples, and revoking research consent.
- These measures, however, don't entirely eliminate the risks associated with previously shared data.
- The question now is whether 23andMe can sell customers' genetic data without explicit and informed consent.
- The answer to this question will be determined in the courtroom.
- The selling of customers' genetic data raises issue in the field of workplace-wellness and medical-conditions.
- Chronic diseases, cancer, respiratory conditions, and digestive health are among the potential areas of concern.
- Eye-health, hearing, health-and-wellness, and fitness-and-exercise are also relevant aspects to consider.
- Sexual-health, autoimmune-disorders, and neurological-disorders might also be impacted by the sale of genetic data.
- Climate-change, renewable-energy, and manufacturing practices could be influenced by the understanding gained from genetic data.
- Mental-health, mens-health, and women's-health are vital areas that could be affected by the sale of genetic data.
- Skin-care, therapies-and-treatments, and nutrition are another set of considerations.
- Aging, weight-management, and cardiovascular-health are also connected to the use and misuse of genetic data.
- The financial implications of the sale of genetic data should be examined in the context of finance, energy, retail, and real-estate industries.
- Transportation, entrepreneurship, leadership, and diversity-and-inclusion are additional industries that could be affected.
- The automotive, small-business, investing, aviation, and banking-and-insurance sectors also have a stake in this matter.
- The sale of genetic data could lead to potential violations in medicare and medicaid, which focus on providing healthcare for the elderly and low-income individuals.
