Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced her participation in a multistate legal effort to prevent the sale of personal genetic information by 23andMe, a direct-to-consumer DNA testing company. The lawsuit, joined by a bipartisan coalition of 28 states, was filed on June 9, 2025, in federal bankruptcy court. It seeks to block the auctioning of genetic data from approximately 15 million customers without their consent.

"Our personal and sensitive genetic data should never be sold to the highest bidder without our explicit consent," Nessel stated. "I am proud to join my colleagues in challenging this deeply concerning sale and remain committed to protecting the privacy of Michigan residents."

The coalition contends that genetic information such as biological samples, DNA data, health-related traits, and medical records are too sensitive to be sold without express consent from individuals. They argue that selling this data like ordinary property is inappropriate and could lead to misuse or exposure in future data breaches.

In response to these concerns, Attorney General Nessel has issued a consumer alert advising residents on safeguarding their personal data. Recommendations include deleting accounts from the company's website, requesting the destruction of genetic data, and revoking permission for its use in research if applicable.

Joining Michigan in this legal action are attorneys general from Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia Washington West Virginia and Wisconsin.