Congress Demands Answers on Data Privacy Ahead of 23andMe Sale
1 min read
Summary
Democratic representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jan Schakowsky have written to Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and the TTAM Research Institute, the two bidders for at-home genetic testing firm 23andMe, requesting information on the firms’ plans for customer data should they acquire the company.
The lawmakers asked the companies to confirm whether they would allow customers to delete their data and withdraw consent for its use in medical research, as well as whether the company’s policy of not sharing data with law enforcement without a warrant would be upheld.
They also requested the companies disclose a full list of third parties with access to 23andMe data.
Established in 2006, 23andMe was one of the first companies to provide home DNA testing; users can provide info on ancestry, family connections and certain medical risks.
However, the company has never turned a profit and filed for bankruptcy in March after struggling to diversify revenue streams following its 2021 initial public offering.
The winner of the acquisition bid will obtain a large dataset that raises questions over how it will be used.
