According to The Atlantic, 23andMe, a leading provider of consumer genetic testing services, is considering selling the company amidst financial difficulties. This is particularly noteworthy because of the vast amount of genetic data 23andMe has accumulated – information from approximately 15 million customers.
From the article:
DNA might contain health information, but unlike a doctor’s office, 23andMe is not bound by the health-privacy law HIPAA. And the company’s privacy policies make clear that in the event of a merger or an acquisition, customer information is a salable asset. 23andMe promises to ask its customers’ permission before using their data for research or targeted advertising, but that doesn’t mean the next boss will do the same.
This has big implications for genetic privacy. As the author points, out certain parties, such as law enforcement, insurance providers, and pharmaceutical companies, might take an obvious interest in the secrets of Americans’ genomes.
Hat tip to beSpacific