By Kate Black,
23andMe Privacy Officer and Corporate Counsel
In January, I joined 23andMe to oversee the privacy and security of our customers’ information. I am responsible for coordinating the many teams and team members across 23andMe who manage our website, conduct scientific research, and provide customer support to ensure that customer information remains appropriately safeguarded and secure.
Privacy Center
I’ve had the exciting opportunity to elevate privacy and data protection practices in our newly redesigned website experience. As a part of that effort, we’ve built a new, easy to read privacy center, which contains some helpful information about 23andMe’s approach to privacy and security.
We’ve also updated our terms of service and privacy statement to support our improved product.
I also spend time talking with 23andMe customers and potential customers about privacy and security related issues.
A Few Key Issues
Most people I speak with say they are concerned about the privacy of their genetic and personal information when signing up for and using 23andMe.
Specifically, individuals identify three main concerns:
- How to manage sharing settings within 23andMe.com, including how and when other members can see their personal information within the our website.
- How 23andMe uses customer information to conduct genetic research.
- When and if third parties, such as family members, law enforcement, or insurance companies can get access to their information.
Over the next several months, I will dive deeper into each of these topics and others on this blog in an effort to be as transparent as possible about how 23andMe manages, shares, and protects our customers’ information.
I believe we have a responsibility to educate and inform our customers about how they can make meaningful choices regarding their information, and empower individuals to make the right choices for themselves and their families.
In the meantime, I hope you will take a moment to explore 23andMe’s new privacy materials.
Please also feel free to email us at privacy@23andme.com if you have any questions or want more information about our privacy practices.
We understand that your trust is vital to our business, and it’s my number one priority to earn that trust.