Anne Wojcicki Reclaims 23andMe in $305M Deal Through TTAM Institute
23andMe —Privacy Questions Remain
Under TTAM, 23andMe will continue offering DNA testing and research services, but the structure and intent have shifted. While Wojcicki emphasized “enhanced” privacy practices, watchdogs are still wary.
“We are giving additional notice, have put further restrictions on use of data, and have agreed to an independent privacy advisory board,” Wojcicki told The Washington Post.
Still, critics argue these measures are not enough. “There is nothing in 23andMe’s bankruptcy agreement or privacy statement to prevent TTAM from selling or transferring DNA to some other organization in the future,” The Washington Post reported.
Perhaps most alarming, genetic data collected by 23andMe is not protected by HIPAA, and the company’s 2023 data breach—affecting 7 million users—continues to cast a long shadow over the brand.
States Urge Users to Delete DNA Data
Attorneys general from Maryland, North Carolina, Connecticut, and California have gone so far as to recommend consumers delete their accounts. While users have the option to opt out of future research or delete their information, TTAM is not requiring consent before assuming ownership of previously collected DNA data.
