The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform convened a hearing to address privacy and national security concerns linked to the bankruptcy sale of 23andMe, Inc., a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company. The hearing, titled “Securing Americans’ Genetic Information: Privacy and National Security Concerns Surrounding 23andMe’s Bankruptcy Sale,” focused on the implications of future ownership and control of the company's vast genetic database, which contains DNA information from 15 million customers.
Committee members expressed concerns about foreign adversaries or hostile private entities potentially accessing or exploiting Americans' DNA. They emphasized that companies like 23andMe must prevent such access. Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) remarked on Regeneron Pharmaceuticals' asset purchase agreement with 23andMe and the court's decision to reopen the auction for final bids from Regeneron and TTAM Research Institute. Comer stated, "All of this raises questions about whether Congress needs to take action to ensure the safety of Americans’ personal genetic data."
Anne Wojcicki, co-founder and former CEO of 23andMe, acknowledged the importance of data privacy and security. She noted China's significant investments in becoming a global leader in this area while expressing concern that "the United States is falling behind." Interim CEO Joe Selsavage assured that sensitive DNA data would not be sold to foreign adversaries like China or Russia during the bankruptcy process.
Representative Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) highlighted concerns about China's misuse of genetic data, referencing past incidents where genetic tests were used against Uyghur Muslims. Foxx questioned how 23andMe could prevent its data from being misused by foreign entities.
Representative Gary Palmer (R-Ala.) urged 23andMe to disclose who has access to its genetic database. He stated, "It concerns me by how 23andMe advertised the product," questioning if Americans understood potential data sharing with pharmaceutical companies.
Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) pointed out past investments in 23andMe by WuXi healthcare ventures, which had ties to Chinese entities. Anne Wojcicki confirmed awareness of these investments but denied knowledge of any connections at that time.
John McGuire (R-Va.) sought details on other foreign investments in 23andMe and warned about national security risks if China accessed their data. Both Wojcicki and Selsavage expressed discomfort with such scenarios.
William Timmons (R-S.C.) secured a commitment from Selsavage that during bankruptcy proceedings, there would be no sale of personal information to hostile actors. Timmons stressed potential bioweapon risks associated with such data falling into rogue hands.
The committee aims to explore legislative solutions for safeguarding Americans' genetic information as part of ongoing efforts following these discussions.
