Mmastodon ScienceBiology first seen 16 h ago, last 6 min ago, peak #9

23andMe DNA data sale renews genetic privacy fears

Original: Consumer DNA databases expose your relatives too, even ones who never sent a sample. 23andMe was breached in 2023, then

Privacy advocates are warning that consumer DNA databases expose not just customers but their relatives who never consented. 23andMe suffered a breach in 2023, filed for bankruptcy in 2025, and moved to sell its database of roughly 15 million people's genetic data as an asset. Commenters are urging users to download a copy of their data and delete it from the service before any sale closes.

Why now: The bankruptcy sale of 23andMe has put 15 million people's genetic data up for sale, renewing fears about consent and family privacy.

23andMe

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Evidence

• Consumer DNA databases expose your relatives too, even ones who never sent a sample. 23andMe was breached in 2023, then filed for bankruptcy in 2025 and moved to sell its 15M-person DNA trove as an asset. So what: you can delete your genetic data. Download a copy if you want… · indigoprivacy · 3

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