This turmoil follows years of struggles since its public debut in 2021. Once valued at $6 billion, 23andMe has yet to achieve profitability and faced scrutiny after a data breach exposed personal information of approximately seven million customers. The incident led to a settlement, but trust issues linger, prompting California's Attorney General to advise users to erase their data from the platform.
Despite high-profile endorsements and initial popularity, the company’s attempts to innovate -- including subscription services and drug development initiatives -- have been largely unsuccessful. Concerns over the handling and potential future of genetic data remain prominent, especially in the UK where such information holds special protections. In light of these recent challenges, 23andMe’s board chair has pledged commitment to transparency in data management, but questions persist regarding customer trust and the fate of sensitive information, raising red flags for consumers.
Despite high-profile endorsements and initial popularity, the company’s attempts to innovate -- including subscription services and drug development initiatives -- have been largely unsuccessful. Concerns over the handling and potential future of genetic data remain prominent, especially in the UK where such information holds special protections. In light of these recent challenges, 23andMe’s board chair has pledged commitment to transparency in data management, but questions persist regarding customer trust and the fate of sensitive information, raising red flags for consumers.
