23andMe’s Future Sparks Concerns Over Genomic Data

A New York Times article indicates that customers of the genetic data company 23andMe might face greater risks than they are aware of

The article says that the company’s problems may not last long compared to the longer-term threats those 15 million people will face if 23andMe can’t stay in business.

Without a doubt, founder and CEO Anne Wojcicki’s goal of turning 23andMe around looks like it will be impossible to achieve. The company was once worth $6 billion, but now it’s only worth $150 million because of a big breach that caused all of its independent directors to quit. It’s going to be taken off the market next month. Reports in the press aren’t helpful. (Would you buy one of its DNA kits?)

The company will continue to “follow laws that regulate the data we collect.” However, a Yale biomedical professor told the Times that it would be scary if it suddenly couldn’t do that. He says that credit cards that have been hacked can be restored, but a genome can’t. He also says that the technology used to study genes is getting better. The chances are that it will also become more clear.