23andMe genetic testing company bankruptcy raises questions about data privacy

Medical Economics March 25, 2025
Richard Payerchin

Key Takeaways

• 23andMe’s bankruptcy filing raises concerns about the handling of consumer genetic data, despite assurances of data protection compliance.
• The company has faced significant challenges, including a data breach, stock value decline, and workforce reductions, prompting restructuring efforts.
• The bankruptcy process seeks to maximize business value through a court-supervised sale, addressing financial and operational challenges.
• The case highlights broader issues in U.S. privacy law, emphasizing the need for consumer awareness and vigilance regarding genetic data.

People who requested genetic tests were customers, not patients, so legal protection may be limited.

The owner of “the world’s largest proprietary database of health and genetic information” has filed for bankruptcy, leaving consumers what will happen to their personal genetic data.

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