Dozens Of States Sue To Block Sale Of 23andMe Personal Genetic Data Without Customer Consent

The AP (6/9) reports that 27 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit on Monday in bankruptcy court to “block the sale of personal genetic data by 23andMe without customer consent.” The lawsuit emerged as Regeneron Pharmaceuticals seeks court approval to acquire the company for $256 million, clarifying that it would comply with 23andMe’s privacy policies and applicable law. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield emphasized the sensitivity of genetic data, saying they should not be sold without each person’s expressed, informed consent. 23andMe has “struggled to find a profitable business model since going public in 2021.” A court-appointed consumer privacy ombudsman will report on the sale’s privacy implications.