House Committee Investigating 23andMe’s Bankruptcy and Customer Data
The House Committee on Energy and Commerce leaders have announced an investigation into the implications of 23andMe’s bankruptcy on its customers’ data. Representatives Brett Guthrie, Gus Bilirakis, and Gary Palmer, all Republicans, have addressed a letter to 23andMe’s interim CEO Joe Selsavage, raising concerns about the handling of customer data in the event of a potential sale of the company.
The committee’s letter highlights reports from customers struggling to delete their data from the 23andMe website. It also points out that direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies like 23andMe are not subject to the protections of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Expressing concerns about the lack of uniform privacy regulations for genetic information and the uncertainty surrounding the fate of customer data in case of a company sale, the representatives emphasize the potential risks to sensitive information.
23andMe, which recently settled a $30 million data breach lawsuit, filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in March. Co-founder and CEO Anne Wojciki announced her resignation to participate as a private bidder for the company.
