Your DNA is for Sale! Blockchain to the Rescue? 🧬💰

by

So, 23andMe is bankrupt. Surprise, surprise! 🎉 Now, the genetic data of 15 million people is up for grabs. Who’s bidding? Oh, just blockchain projects, because apparently, your DNA belongs on the blockchain now. 🧬⛓️

On March 23, 23andMe announced it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and CEO Anne Wojcicki bounced. Cue the panic as users scrambled to delete their data faster than you can say “privacy breach.” 🏃‍♂️💨

Privacy advocates and government officials are like, “Delete your data NOW!” But where should you move it? Blockchain bros are swooping in, claiming your DNA is safer on the blockchain. Sure, because nothing says “secure” like putting your genetic code on the internet. 🙃

Blockchain advocates argue that decentralized networks or Web3 tech can make 23andMe more private. Sounds great, but let’s not ignore the fact that uploading your DNA to the blockchain is like sending your social security number to a group chat. Risky, but hey, it’s ✨decentralized✨.

23andMe’s Privacy History: A Comedy of Errors

23andMe is famous for selling DNA kits and ancestry reports, but their real business? Selling your genetic data to Big Pharma. 🤑 Their privacy policy says they’ll only share your DNA if you agree, and 80% of users do. Because who reads the fine print? 🤷‍♀️

They claim the data is anonymized, but let’s be real—your DNA is as unique as your Netflix password. A 2024 study found 23andMe’s privacy policy was stronger than competitors’, but it also says your data can be sold if the company is acquired. So, buyer beware. 🚨

DNA Data Sale

Darius Belejevas from Incogni said, “A bankruptcy sale changes the game, exposing your sensitive info to the highest bidder.” Translation: Your DNA could end up in the hands of someone sketchier than your ex. 😬

Oh, and let’s not forget the 2023 hack where 6.9 million users’ ancestry data was stolen. Hackers targeted Ashkenazi Jewish and Chinese users, because apparently, even cybercriminals are into niche markets. 🎯

Hacked DNA Data

Security experts warn that stolen DNA could be used for identity theft or even bioweapons. Yes, bioweapons. Because nothing says “dystopia” like someone weaponizing your genetic code. 💀

Blockchain to the Rescue? Maybe. 🤔

Blockchain projects are lining up to buy 23andMe, including the Sei Foundation. They’re like, “We’ll put your health data on the blockchain!” Cool, but how? Details are vague, but it’s ✨on chain✨, so it must be better, right? 🙄

Phil Mataras from AR.IO called it a “flashy, but exciting prospect.” Translation: It’s a PR stunt, but hey, it’s secure. AR.IO is pushing users to move their data to ArDrive, a decentralized storage solution. Because nothing says “peace of mind” like uploading your DNA to the cloud. ☁️

Blockchain DNA Storage

Genomes.io is another option, with users flocking to the platform post-bankruptcy. They store your DNA in encrypted “vaults,” and you get paid in crypto when your data is used. Because why not monetize your genes? 💸

GenoBank takes it a step further, tokenizing DNA as BioNFTs. Yes, your genetic code as an NFT. Because nothing says “2025” like owning your DNA as a digital collectible. 🖼️

Blockchain Isn’t Perfect, Either

But wait! Blockchain has its own issues. Lose your private keys? Say goodbye to your DNA. Get hacked? Your genetic code is out there. And let’s not forget the cost—uploading 15 million genomes to Arweave would cost $492 million. 💸💸💸

De Pape from Genomes.io said, “Don’t upload your DNA to the blockchain. It’s a mistake.” Because even blockchain bros know there’s such a thing as too much decentralization. 🤯

Blockchain DNA Concerns

Regulations add another layer of complexity. GDPR and other laws make it tricky to handle genomic data on the blockchain. So, while blockchain is better than 23andMe, it’s not a magic solution. 🪄

Bottom line: Move your data somewhere—anywhere—but don’t leave it with 23andMe. Your DNA deserves better. 🧬❤️

Read More

2025-04-02 16:48