Bankrupt 23andMe is trying to sell Canadians’ genetic information. Here’s what you can do

Dozens of U.S. states are taking legal action to block the sale of genetic information by 23andMe, a California-based company that allowed customers to learn about their ancestry by submitting saliva samples in the mail. The company, which filed for bankruptcy in March, is now auctioning off the DNA profiles of more than 15 million people, including an estimated 700,000 Canadians.

The lawsuit filed on Monday seeks to halt the sale of personal genetic data without customer consent. The attorney general of Connecticut, William Tong, along with representatives from 26 other U.S. states and the District of Columbia, are fighting to protect consumers’ privacy rights. They are concerned that the sale of genetic information could lead to potential privacy breaches and misuse of personal data.

23andMe has defended the sale, stating that any company purchasing the data will be required to adhere to privacy agreements and laws. However, privacy advocates argue that Canadians should be worried about the potential sale of their most personal and unique identifying information without their consent.

The winning bidder for 23andMe’s assets is TTAM Research Institute, a company led by the company’s co-founder, Anne Wojcicki. Despite assurances from 23andMe that the sale is permitted under privacy policies and applicable law, concerns remain about the protection of consumer data. Wojcicki’s involvement in the sale raises questions, as she was in charge of the company during a previous privacy breach that exposed the information of millions of customers.

In Canada, a class-action lawsuit against 23andMe was put on hold when the company filed for bankruptcy. Canadian customers seeking to pursue a claim against the company must now file individually through U.S. bankruptcy courts. Legal experts advise customers to delete their personal data from 23andMe’s database to protect their privacy and prevent further use of their information.

While Canada has laws in place to protect genetic data, the complexities of multinational companies present challenges in enforcing these laws. Customers are urged to exercise their right to withdraw their data and request its deletion from the database. The importance of informed consent and transparency in data collection practices is emphasized to ensure that individuals have control over their personal information.

The ongoing legal battle over the sale of genetic information highlights the need for stronger privacy protections and regulatory oversight in the collection and use of personal data. With the potential risks of data breaches and misuse of genetic information, consumers must be vigilant in safeguarding their privacy rights.