Buzz
23andMe has entered into an agreement with pharmaceutical leader GlaxoSmithKline, granting them access to your genetic information to aid in the development of new medications. Does this mean we've been betrayed? Not necessarily.
This agreement isn't the first instance where 23andMe has permitted other firms to utilize your data for research purposes. While the company earns up to $199 from each DNA kit purchased and processed, their revenue strategy heavily relies on exploiting the accumulated data. Similar, albeit smaller, agreements have been made with Genentech and Pfizer in the past.
Participation is entirely voluntary. Upon registering with 23andMe, you are asked whether you consent to your data being used for research. A research consent form is provided, outlining in broad terms the potential uses of your data. According to the company, the majority of users choose to participate.
To date, research conducted by 23andMe has not resulted in any new disease treatments, as stated by a company spokesperson. However, researchers are actively analyzing the data and producing scientific papers. 23andMe maintains a catalog of scientific studies that have utilized their customers' data. Through your online account, you can track the number of studies that have included your personal data.
According to a 23andMe spokesperson, the data of consenting individuals is anonymized and compiled into aggregated statistics, ensuring no personal identification is possible. The company does not directly share raw data; instead, analysts supply third parties with summarized data. While this approach is generally considered secure, users uncertain about their preferences can modify their consent by selecting the “Change Consent” option within their account settings.
