Customers of genetic data company 23andMe could be in more danger than they think. A recent article in The New York Times warns that around 15 million people who use 23andMe could face serious risks if the company is unable to keep operating.
The founder and CEO, Anne Wojcicki, had hoped to make 23andMe a private company again, but that dream seems unlikely to come true. When 23andMe went public in 2021, it was valued at $6 billion. Now, its value has dropped to $150 million, and it is at risk of being removed from the stock exchange next month. Negative press coverage is not helping the situation either.
While 23andMe claims to follow data regulations, there is concern about what could happen if they are no longer able to comply. A professor from Yale University’s biomedical department mentioned in the Times article that while hacked credit card information can be replaced, once someone’s genome is exposed, there is no way to undo that. Additionally, as technology for analyzing genomes improves, it is likely to become even more revealing in the future.
In light of these concerns, customers who have used 23andMe may want to consider the potential risks involved in sharing their genetic data. It is important to stay informed about the company’s situation and any updates regarding data security. As technology continues to advance, individuals must be vigilant about protecting their personal information, especially when it comes to something as sensitive as their genetic code.
