The Dark Side of Genetic Sharing

Monday 31st of March 2025 23:15:06

23andMe to Store Genetic Data on Blockchain, Enhancing Security and Transparency

In a move that is set to revolutionize the way genetic data is stored and shared, 23andMe, a leading personal genomics company, has announced that it will be storing its users' genetic data on a blockchain.

The decision comes as a response to growing concerns over the security and ownership of genetic data, which has become increasingly valuable in the era of precision medicine and personalized healthcare. By utilizing blockchain technology, 23andMe aims to provide an unprecedented level of security, transparency, and control over users' genetic information.

According to the company, the blockchain-based system will enable users to have greater control over their genetic data, allowing them to manage access and sharing permissions with unprecedented ease. The technology will also provide a tamper-proof record of all data transactions, ensuring that users' information is protected from unauthorized access or manipulation.

"Blockchain technology has the potential to fundamentally change the way we think about data ownership and control," said 23andMe's CEO, Anne Wojcicki. "By putting our users' genetic data on blockchain, we are giving them the power to take control of their own genetic information and ensure that it is protected and respected."

The move is also expected to have significant implications for the development of personalized medicine, as it will enable researchers and healthcare providers to access and analyze genetic data in a secure and transparent manner.

23andMe's decision to store genetic data on blockchain is the latest in a series of innovations aimed at enhancing the security and utility of genetic information. The company has already introduced a range of features designed to give users greater control over their data, including the ability to delete or edit their genetic information at any time.

The move is also seen as a significant step forward in the development of blockchain technology, which has the potential to revolutionize the way data is stored and shared across a wide range of industries.

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