When DNA Becomes Data on the Auction Block

 The news that 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy hit me harder than I expected. On May 14, their assets—including the genetic data of more than 15 million people—could be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Bloomberg even called that data a “valuable asset that often changes hands in Chapter 11.”

As someone who didn’t get to grow up knowing my grandparents—especially on my paternal side—because of being a military brat, the ability to connect with cousins through DNA testing was deeply meaningful. They were able to share stories, memories, and names of great-grandparents I had never known. That connection gave me more than just a family tree—it gave me a sense of belonging and identity I never had before.

So yes, I’m concerned. Like millions of others, I trusted a company with my most personal, irreversible information: my DNA. But I’m also thankful—because through that experience, I gained something invaluable.

Still, this bankruptcy raises serious questions we can’t ignore:

• Who really owns our data when we hand over a saliva sample?

• What rights do we retain when a company folds?

• Should our DNA—our biological blueprint—ever be treated like any other asset?

This situation underscores a gap in ethical responsibility and consumer protection. DNA data isn’t just another login or credit card number. It’s the story of our ancestry, our health, and even our future. Once it’s sold or shared beyond our control, there’s no resetting it.

As professionals and consumers, we must advocate for stronger policies around consent, ownership, and privacy. Companies in the biotech and consumer genomics space must be held to a higher standard. This isn’t just about cybersecurity—it’s about human dignity.

To anyone who used 23andMe or similar services and feels uneasy: you’re not overreacting. Your story—and your data—deserve protection.

💬 I’d love to hear from others who’ve used these services. Were you able to discover family you didn’t know you had? And how are you feeling in light of this news?