When 23andMe filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, it set off alarm bells among privacy experts and consumers alike. According to a 2025 survey, about 1 in 5 Americans has taken a home DNA test. Among those who haven’t, privacy ranks as one of their top concerns. As with so many things having to do with data, there’s a trade-off between confidentiality and the ability to access services that can improve our lives. The fallout from 23andMe’s bankruptcy and an earlier data breach has left consumers more wary than ever and has underscored the need for stronger data privacy laws. In today’s episode, we’ll hear from someone whose life was transformed by a 23andMe test, and from a genetic data and privacy researcher who explains the risks of handing over our DNA to a corporation.

Guests: 

Trine Gallegos, Media Coordinator and 23andMe user

Anya Prince, professor and genetic privacy researcher at the University of Iowa College of Law

Further reading/listening: 

I Tried to Keep My Pregnancy Secret — Anya Prince, The Atlantic 

Judge OKs sale of 23andMe — and its trove of DNA data — to a nonprofit led by its founder — John Ruwitch, NPR

California AG says 23andMe sale ‘does not comply’ with state law — Tyler Katzenberger, Politico

23andMe is for sale. Here’s why companies might want your genetic data — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN

Read the transcript here

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Credits:

This episode was reported and hosted by Morgan Sung. Our Producer is Maya Cueva. Chris Egusa is our Senior Editor. Additional editing by Chris Hambrick. Jen Chien is KQED’s Director of Podcasts, and also helps edit the show. Sound design by Chris Egusa and Brendan Willard. Original music, including our theme song, by Chris Egusa. Additional music from APM. Mixing and mastering by Brendan Willard. Audience engagement support from Maha Sanad. Katie Sprenger is our Podcast Operations Manager. Ethan Toven-Lindsey is our Editor in Chief.

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