23andMe changed its terms of service to prevent hacked customers from suing (engadget.com)

Article summary

Genetic testing company 23andMe updated its terms of service to prevent customers from filing class action lawsuits after a hack exposed personal information of nearly 7 million users. The new terms require customers to opt out in writing within 30 days to avoid being automatically opted in. The change has sparked outrage online, with many criticizing the company's move as an attempt to avoid accountability. The hack, which occurred in October, accessed sensitive user information including photos, names, and geographical location.

Main themes

• Genetic testing
• Data privacy
• Class action lawsuits
• Corporate accountability
• Regulation and legislation
• Precision medicine

What commenters say

• Some argue that sending DNA to any company is a bad idea due to the sensitive nature of the data.
• Others believe that the benefits of genetic testing, such as precision medicine, outweigh the potential risks.
• The company's decision to update its terms of service is seen as a shady attempt to avoid lawsuits and accountability.
• Some commenters think that the threat of DNA leakage is overblown, while others believe it's a significant concern.
• There is disagreement over whether 23andMe's updated terms of service will hold up in court, with some arguing that retroactive changes to a voluntary agreement are not enforceable.
• Some argue that legislation and regulation are necessary to protect individuals' genetic information and prevent its misuse.
• The idea that people will inevitably lose privacy and have to trust that their genetic information will be used responsibly is contested by those who believe that individuals should have control over their own data.