Don't blame 23andMe for the federal government's lack of clear data privacy rules

Don't blame 23andMe for the federal government's lack of clear data privacy rules

A lawsuit against genomics firm 23andMe is stirring a debate about what the proper role of government is in regulating how private companies use sensitive data. In June, 27 states filed a lawsuit against 23andMe to block the sale of the company's customer data without their consent. The firm filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March, and recently, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (a biotechnology firm) announced that it would buy the company. Data obtai…