The Federal Trade Commission is closely monitoring 23andMe’s bankruptcy proceedings due to concerns over the privacy of genetic data. 23andMe, which has 15 million customers, must ensure that any future owner upholds the company’s privacy promises. The company collects sensitive information including genetic data, DNA samples, health information, and personal contact details. In December 2023, hackers stole ancestry data from 6.9 million users, raising further concerns about data security. Amid the bankruptcy announcement, many users attempted to delete their data, but technical issues hindered the process. The FTC insists that any sale or transfer of 23andMe’s assets must comply with the company’s privacy policies and applicable laws. This is crucial as the company holds immutable and identifiable personal information about millions of Americans.
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