California Attorney General Rob Bonta claims that 23andMe's recent bankruptcy sale of genetic data to TTAM Research Institute does not comply with state privacy laws, specifically the Genetic Information Privacy Act, and is considering further legal action despite court approval of the sale.
Following 23andMe's financial upheaval and legal challenges, customers can delete their genetic data by logging into their accounts and following specific steps, though some information may still be retained for legal or compliance reasons. It's also advised to revoke consent for research use and check with family members to ensure their data is protected as well.
Following 23andMe's bankruptcy and sale to Regeneron, customers are advised on how to delete or control their genetic data, with steps to request data deletion and revoke research permissions, though some data may still be retained for legal reasons. Customers are also encouraged to inform family members to protect their shared genetic information.
Scientists can now extract DNA details from people who have passed through an area by collecting samples of air, water, or dirt. This new environmental DNA (eDNA) technology has both pros and cons, including breakthroughs in epidemiology and disease control, but also raises concerns about genetic privacy and perpetual genetic surveillance. As this technology advances, ethical and legal dilemmas surrounding genetic rights and authority over individual genetic codes need to be addressed.
Scientists from the University of Florida have discovered traces of human DNA in the environment through their study of environmental DNA (eDNA). The genetic data found in eDNA has the potential to identify diseases and trace maternal lineage. However, the findings raise concerns about genetic privacy and the need for regulations to safeguard citizens from exploitation by law enforcement and other institutions. The discovery also opens new avenues for tracking endangered species and combating various diseases.
Scientists have warned that society may not be prepared for the consequences of the ability to sift scraps of human DNA out of the air, water, or soil and decipher personal details about the individuals who dropped them. While this technology has beneficial uses, it also raises concerns about genetic privacy and the potential for perpetual genetic surveillance. The study's authors are calling for policy makers and society to develop regulations to address these issues.