News Summary

The genetic testing company 23andMe is at the center of a significant privacy debate as it faces acquisition bids amidst bankruptcy proceedings. US Representatives, led by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Jan Schakowsky, have sent inquiries to the two potential buyers, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and TTAM Research Institute, regarding how they will handle consumer data privacy. 23andMe, which pioneered personal genomics, is known for its DNA test kits that inform customers about ancestry and medical risks. Despite selling over 12 million kits, it has struggled financially and faced a significant data breach in 2023. Regeneron emerged as the successful bidder in a bankruptcy auction with a $256 million offer, but a $305 million bid from TTAM Research Institute led to a reopening of the sale process. Concerns include the continuation of customer data deletion options, data sharing with law enforcement, and potential use in AI training. A lawsuit from more than two dozen states challenges the sale of genetic data without customer consent.