Lawsuit to Block Sale of 23andMe Genetic Data Without Consent

SOURCE www.npr.org
27 states and D.C. filed a lawsuit to block the sale of personal genetic data by 23andMe without customer consent as a biotech company seeks to buy the struggling firm in bankruptcy court.

Key Points

  • 27 states and D.C. filed a lawsuit to prevent the sale of personal genetic data by 23andMe without customer consent
  • Regeneron Pharmaceuticals aims to buy 23andMe for $256 million and promises to comply with privacy policies and laws
  • Court-appointed privacy ombudsman to review the proposed sale's impact on consumer privacy

Pros

  • Protecting sensitive genetic data of individuals
  • Ensuring customer consent is required for the sale of personal information

Cons

  • Concerns about the safety of customer data
  • Struggles faced by 23andMe as a company