3 sources·Technology

FTC Chairman Urges Protection of Consumer Data Amid 23andMe Bankruptcy

FTC's Andrew Ferguson emphasizes the need to uphold consumer privacy during 23andMe's bankruptcy sale, raising concerns over sensitive genetic data handling.

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The underlying sources are either a balanced mix of left and right or primarily centrist.
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  1. FTC: 23andMe buyer must honor firm’s privacy promises for genetic data

    23andMe's recent bankruptcy announcement set off a wave of concern about the fate of genetic data for its 15 million customers.

    FTC: 23andMe buyer must honor firm’s privacy promises for genetic data

    ARS TechnicaARS Technica·19d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  2. These are the people who want to buy 23andMe

    23andMe is now in bankruptcy, and the DNA of millions of people is on the market.

    These are the people who want to buy 23andMe

    FortuneFortune·19d
    Mostly Reliable
    This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  3. 23andMe Files for Chapter 11: What's Next for Your Data?

    Given the uncertainty that continues to swirl around the future of 23andMe, people worried about the privacy and security of their data might want to delete their accounts and request that their data be destroyed sooner rather than later.

    23andMe Files for Chapter 11: What's Next for Your Data?

    CNETCNET·19d
    Reliable
    This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
    ·
    Center
    This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
  1. ARS Technica
  2. Fortune
  3. CNET
Updated: Apr 1st, 2025, 5:55 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Andrew Ferguson, FTC Chairman, highlights consumer privacy issues in 23andMe's bankruptcy process, stressing the company must protect sensitive genetic information amid potential sale to maintain trust. Concerns escalate as hackers previously breached the data of millions, leading users to reconsider their data security. The bankruptcy court's decision on a buyer will significantly influence how customer data is managed moving forward. Experts suggest consumers may want to delete their accounts as uncertainty looms around privacy protections and potential ownership of data.

Perspectives

Compare opinions on this story from liberal (Left), conservative (Right) or center-leaning news organizations.

  • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is closely monitoring 23andMe's bankruptcy proceedings to ensure that the privacy commitments made to customers about their genetic and genetic health information are upheld during any potential sale of the company.

  • Despite the bankruptcy, 23andMe remains committed to safeguarding customer data and promises to comply with existing privacy policies, which may impact who can buy the company and how they handle sensitive customer data.

  • The uncertainty surrounding 23andMe's future ownership and data handling practices has prompted some consumers to consider deleting their accounts and requesting the destruction of their genetic data.

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