The consumer-genomics company 23andMe just sold its biobank of customer genetic data to drugmaker Regeneron for $256 million.

Regeneron is to pay $256 million in cash to acquire “substantially all” of 23andMe’s assets, including its massive biobank of around 15 million customer genetic samples and data.

  • TrackinDaKrakenEnglish
    86•25 days ago

    I never fell for it. I hope none of my siblings did, either.

    I would have thought that data would be worth more. Maybe the AI guys will just steal it, instead?

    • @SippyCup@feddit.nlEnglish
      47•25 days ago

      Siblings and first cousins.

      Most likely the data 23andme already gathered is enough to narrow down just about anybody in the US.

    • Luouth
      20•25 days ago

      I wonder if there was anything in the T&Cs that mentioned extrapolation of data leading to identifying genetic relatives and whether their consent was void on this basis. Or whether this could be grounds for interesting lawsuits from nonconsensual relatives being identifiable from the participants’ data.

      • snooggumsEnglish
        13•25 days ago

        If we believe 23 and me, they have only recieved 11 data requests for 15 accounts and provided zero data to law enforcement.

        https://www.23andme.com/transparency-report/

        That is a report on formal law enforcement requests for direct account information. Law enforcement is known to use genetic ancestry, so either they are using other sites or just running the tests themselves instead of doing a formal request.

        I couldn’t find a case for suing companies, just defense requests to dismiss using the data in court but I might not be using the right search terms.

        • @Auli@lemmy.caEnglish
          4•25 days ago

          Yes but what about the times law enforcement sent in the DNA and found relatives. Three are stories of that happening if I remember correctly.

          • snooggumsEnglish
            9•25 days ago

            What about the thing I said?

            Law enforcement is known to use genetic ancestry, so either they are using other sites or just running the tests themselves instead of doing a formal request.

            • Smee
              5•25 days ago

              It’s a bit of both from what I gather. I.e. The Golden State killer was caught through GEDmatch and 23AM users have to manually upload their DNA profile to GEDmatch. On the other hand GEDmatch gave unrestricted, undisclosed access to law enforcement to dig throught their database until users started complaining and it became opt-in to allow LE access.

              Fun fact, GEDmatch is now owned by Qiagen which operates in around 25 countries. I wonder how many DNA profiles they have access to. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve mapped the entire human species to some degree.

              • Luouth
                3•25 days ago

                Wow guys, thanks a lot for the informative comments! I love how Lemmy isn’t just a minefield of memes and jokes in the comments like Reddit