Genetic testing company 23 and Me recently filed for a voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy to “maximize stakeholder value through a court-supervised sale process,” according to a recent press release. While the company claimed it would safeguard user data and be transparent about the management of that data, State Sen. Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis), other legislators and statewide officials are concerned that the bankruptcy proceedings could involve the sale of user data and violate the privacy of Indiana residents.
“In light of the 23andMe bankruptcy filing and their intent to sell all assets, the need to protect the genetic privacy of Hoosiers is at the top of my mind,” said Hunley in a statement sent to the Indiana Commons.
Hunley is the first author of Senate Bill 33, which addresses several consumer protection and privacy concerns surrounding the use of genetic testing data. It would prevent discrimination based on genetic testing data, increase transparency, prevent the utilization of consumer data in certain ways without consent, allow revocation of consent and more.
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“My bill, Senate Bill (SB) 33, and its sister bill, House Bill (HB) 1521, exemplify the bipartisan nature of this very issue,” said Hunley. “These bills will ensure that Hoosiers retain complete control of their genetic data and have full knowledge of what information is being collected, how it will be used and with whom it will be shared. This legislation is long overdue. Now that the DNA data of 15 million Americans is for sale, we cannot delay.”
State Sens. Brian Buchanan (R-Lebanon) and Tyler Johnson (R-Leo) helped author the bill.
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita also warned Indiana residents about potential privacy risks following the bankruptcy announcement.
“With the genetic testing company 23andMe filing for bankruptcy, Hoosiers should consider deleting their accounts to protect their personal information,” Rokita said Monday. “This is a company that holds very sensitive information pertaining to the individuals who use its services. This data could be considered an asset to be sold or transferred as part of any potential bankruptcy proceeding. The best way for Hoosiers to protect their information is to delete their accounts now.”
Rokita also shared that consumers wishing to delete their accounts can file a request on the 23 and Me website.
To follow SB 33 and more, visit iga.in.gov.