FTC Chairman Raises Concerns Over Sale of 23andMe DNA Data

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

The company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, says that ‘data privacy will be an important consideration in any potential transaction.’

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said it was worried about the safety of the personal data of Americans who were previously customers of genetic testing company 23andMe.

On March 23, 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, seeking authorization to “sell substantially all of its assets.” The company said it was committed to “continuing to safeguard customer data” and that “data privacy will be an important consideration in any potential transaction.”

Attorneys general of California and New York have already urged users to remove their data from the company website to prevent it from being sold.

Now, the FTC has also picked up the issue. The agency has “concerns relating to the potential sale or transfer of millions of American consumers’ sensitive personal information,” FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson said in a March 31 letter to the Office of the U.S. Trustee.

“It is my understanding that 23andMe user data may be an asset that is sold” as part of the company’s bankruptcy process, he wrote.

Since its launch in 2007, 23andMe has collected various data points from U.S. customers, including “genetic information, biological DNA samples, health information, ancestry and genealogy information, personal contact information, payment and billing information, and other information,” the letter states.

During its operational period, the company told customers it would protect user data and not share it with unauthorized third parties.

According to the company’s privacy statement, updated on March 14, if 23andMe is involved in bankruptcy, and customers’ personal information is sold as part of the transaction, the privacy protections outlined by 23andMe shall still apply.

Ferguson said the FTC “believes that, consistent with Section 363(b)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code, these types of promises to consumers must be kept.”

As such, any bankruptcy-related sale of 23andMe that includes users’ personal information and biological samples must retain the privacy and data security commitments the company had made to users, he said, adding that the customers had handed over sensitive data based on these commitments.

In a March 23 open letter to customers, 23andMe also made a similar statement, saying that any buyer of the company “will be required to agree to comply with our privacy policy and with all applicable law with respect to the treatment of customer data.”

By Naveen Athrappully

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Kamala, Please Run Again

Kamala Harris hinted she wants to run for President in 2028, despite poor poll numbers and her loss in 2024. If she runs, the big winners will be the GOP.

Rosie O’Donnell vs. Her Therapist

Rosie O’Donnell's therapist attempted to artfully introduce to her client to the possibility that Rosie's outrage might be performative. It didn’t take.

Hamas’s Stubborn Grip on Arms Signals No Desire for Genuine Peace

Hamas’s rhetoric reflects its founding ideology, prioritizing armed resistance over civilian welfare or diplomatic progress.

Off the radar

In the longstanding and brutal ledger of religious persecution, Nigeria now occupies its own grim chapter with its enduring pogrom against Christians.

The New Jackboots? A Wake-Up Call on Antifa and Fascism

An analysis of whether Antifa truly opposes fascism by comparing its tactics and behavior to historical signs and movements of fascist regimes.

Louisiana GOP State Lawmaker Announces Run Against Incumbent U.S. Senator

Louisiana Rep. Julie Emerson launches a campaign against Sen. Bill Cassidy, entering the state’s first Republican primary race in 50 years.

Trump Says His MRI Test Performed at Walter Reed Was ‘Perfect’

“I did,” Trump confirmed. “I got an MRI. It was perfect. I gave you the full results. We had an MRI, in the machine … the whole thing.”

Fox News to Air First TV Interview With Erika Kirk Following Husband’s Assassination

Erika Kirk, new CEO of Turning Point USA, will give her first TV interview next month, two months after the assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk.

Judge Rules Charlie Kirk Assassination Suspect Can Wear Civilian Clothes in Pretrial Hearings

A judge ruled on Oct. 27 that the man accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk last month can appear in civilian clothing during all pre-trial hearings.

Trump Hikes Canada’s Tariffs by 10 Percent for Not Pulling Anti-Tariff Ad Immediately

Trump announced he will increase tariffs on Canada by 10% after ad by provincial government of Ontario misrepresented President Reagan’s speech on tariffs.

Trump Rolls Back Emissions Rules on Copper Smelters

President Trump issued a proclamation aimed at reversing a Biden-era environmental rule that enforced stricter air emission standards on copper smelters.

Donor Gives $130 Million to Cover Shortfall in Troop Pay During Shutdown

Trump announced on Oct. 23 that an anonymous donor sent $130M to cover military pay during the ongoing government shutdown.

‘Frustration’ With Canada Led to Trump Scrapping Talks, Not Just Ontario’s Ad: US Official

President Trump cited Ontario’s TV ad as the reason for halting Canada trade talks, but officials say it stems from rising U.S. frustration with Ottawa.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central