U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), whose district includes parts of the Bronx and Queens, is leading a congressional effort to demand privacy protections for millions of Americans whose genetic information could be at risk as biotech firm 23andMe navigates bankruptcy.
Ocasio-Cortez, alongside Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), sent letters Wednesday to the CEOs of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and the TTAM Research Institute—two companies reportedly bidding to purchase the bankrupt 23andMe Holding Co.—seeking written commitments to protect sensitive consumer data.
“Genetic data, which 23andMe helped make accessible to millions of Americans, provides myriad benefits for medical research, genealogical research, and individuals and families seeking to understand their personal histories,” the lawmakers wrote. “However, genetic data is highly sensitive and its inclusion in a commercial bankruptcy proceeding presents enormous and unprecedented privacy risks for millions of consumers.”
The letter follows recent news that both Regeneron and TTAM Research Institute are exploring bids in the company’s bankruptcy auction. Lawmakers, citing past breaches—including a 2023 cyberattack that compromised data from more than 7 million users—warned that a sale without strict privacy guarantees could endanger the personal information of more than 15 million customers.
Ocasio-Cortez, who has long championed tech accountability and consumer rights, said the unprecedented nature of the sale demands public scrutiny. The letter includes eight detailed questions on data privacy, user consent, and security protocols, and requests written responses by June 26.
“Consumers trusted 23andMe with some of their most intimate information,” the Bronx congresswoman said in a statement. “Any new owner must earn that trust back—starting with transparency and enforceable safeguards.”
More than 20 lawmakers co-signed the letters, including Reps. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), all of whom have previously backed legislation around tech ethics and data protections.
It remains unclear how the bankruptcy proceedings will impact the availability or ownership of 23andMe’s extensive DNA database, which includes genetic profiles used for health predisposition reports, ancestry tracing, and clinical research.
In both letters, lawmakers asked whether the companies would agree to reaffirm existing privacy policies, notify users of changes, and obtain renewed consent before using or sharing genetic data.
With federal regulations around consumer DNA data still evolving, Ocasio-Cortez and her colleagues say the responsibility falls squarely on potential buyers to commit to safeguarding the legacy—and risks—of one of the most well-known genetic testing companies in the U.S.
