Introduction to the Crisis
The bankruptcy of consumer genetics testing company 23andMe has led to widespread fears about the DNA of millions of Americans being sold to the highest bidder. This development has sparked a heated debate about data privacy and national security. The company, which has 15 million customers, has been at the forefront of consumer genetic testing, but its financial woes have raised concerns about the fate of its vast database of genetic information.
The Risks of Genetic Data
The potential risks associated with the sale of genetic data are significant. Some experts warn that this information could be used for identity theft, blackmail, or even medical fraud. The fact that 23andMe’s database contains the genetic information of millions of people makes it a valuable target for cybercriminals. The company’s bankruptcy has led to a surge in traffic to its website, with many users attempting to delete their data or close their accounts.
- The bankruptcy of consumer genetics testing company 23andMe last week led to widespread fears about the DNA of millions of Americans going on sale to the highest bidder.
- 23andMe has 15 million customers and with calls for users to delete their data, traffic to its website surged 526% on the day of its bankruptcy filing.
- Some experts say putting genetic information on sale is both a data disaster and national security disaster, but others say the 23andMe panic represents a small part of a much bigger health information problem.
The Impact on Consumers
For many consumers, the idea of genetic testing was exciting, as it promised to reveal hidden secrets about their ancestry and health. However, the bankruptcy of 23andMe has raised concerns about the security of their genetic information. According to data from online traffic analysis company Similarweb, on March 24, the day of the bankruptcy announcement, 23andMe received 1.5 million visits to its website, a 526% increase from one day prior. This surge in traffic highlights the level of concern among consumers about the fate of their genetic data.
Expert Opinions
Margaret Hu, professor of law and director of the Digital Democracy Lab at William & Mary Law School, thinks Americans made the right move in deleting their data. "This development is a disaster for data privacy," said Hu. In her view, the 23andMe bankruptcy should serve as a warning as to why the federal government needs strong data protection laws. Jon Clay, vice president of threat intelligence at cybersecurity firm Trend Micro, agrees that consumers of 23andMe do need to view the bankruptcy as a threat. "In any sale process, if the data is not transferred and guarded in the most secure manner possible, it is at risk of being used by malicious actors for a number of nefarious purposes," he said.
Drug Research and Genetic Testing Data
One of the things notable about the consumer mindset in the early years of the popularization of genetic testing was that a majority of users opted into sharing their DNA for research purposes, as much as 80% in the years when 23andMe was growing rapidly. Then, as the market for consumer sale of the popular DNA test kits reached saturation sooner than many expected, 23andMe focused more on research and development partnerships with drug companies as a way to diversify its revenue. Currently, when 23andMe sells genetic data to other research companies, most is used at an aggregate level, as part of millions of data points being analyzed as a whole.
A Unique Company Collapse, but Everyday Cyber Risks
But experts say the lesson of 23andMe is less about the company’s collapse and the threat to privacy that created than serving as a reminder about the everyday cyber hazards related to personal information. "When people start talking about personal data, they forget where their data is already sitting," says Rob Lee, chief of research and head of faculty at SANS Institute, which specializes in helping businesses with information security and cyber issues. Whether it’s sending a blood sample into a private lab or getting rid of a laptop to upgrade to a new one, "your digital footprints are being left out there for people to find," Lee said.
Conclusion
The bankruptcy of 23andMe has raised significant concerns about the security of genetic data and the potential risks associated with its sale. While some experts warn of the dangers of identity theft and medical fraud, others see the incident as a reminder of the everyday cyber hazards related to personal information. As the sale process continues, consumers and regulators will be watching closely to ensure that the genetic data of millions of Americans is protected.
FAQs
Q: What happened to 23andMe?
A: 23andMe, a consumer genetics testing company, filed for bankruptcy, leading to concerns about the fate of its vast database of genetic information.
Q: What are the risks associated with the sale of genetic data?
A: The risks include identity theft, blackmail, and medical fraud, as well as the potential for malicious actors to exploit the data for nefarious purposes.
Q: Can consumers delete their data from 23andMe?
A: Yes, consumers can delete their data from 23andMe, and many have done so in response to the company’s bankruptcy.
Q: Is the genetic data of 23andMe customers protected by law?
A: The federal law that covers patient information privacy, HIPAA, does not apply to this situation, but state laws may provide some protection.
Q: What can consumers do to protect their genetic data?
A: Consumers can take steps to protect their genetic data by being vigilant about the companies they share their data with and ensuring that they understand the terms and conditions of any genetic testing service.
