Today, Representatives Ben Cline (R-VA) and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) have introduced the bipartisan Don’t Sell My DNA Act. This bill is designed to enhance consumer privacy by protecting genetic data collected from individuals by biotech companies.
The act addresses the growing use of at-home DNA testing services for health and ancestry insights, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding this sensitive information. The legislation ensures that genetic data cannot be sold as a corporate asset during bankruptcy proceedings of biotech or genetic testing companies.
The House bill accompanies Senate Bill S.1916, proposed by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA). It aims to update the Bankruptcy Code to classify genetic information as “personally identifiable information.” Companies will be required to notify consumers and obtain consent before selling or using their genetic data in bankruptcy cases. Any unapproved transaction must result in permanent deletion of the data.
“Bankruptcy should not lead to a fire sale of Americans’ most personal information,” stated Rep. Ben Cline. “Your DNA is not just another line item that can just be sold without the knowledge of the consumer.”
Rep. Zoe Lofgren added, “People looking for long-lost relatives likely didn’t expect that their genetic data could be sold to the highest bidder.”
The Don’t Sell My DNA Act was prompted by 23andMe’s recent bankruptcy filing, highlighting a loophole in current law where personal genetic information is not protected like Social Security numbers.
Congressman Ben Cline serves Virginia’s Sixth Congressional District. His background includes roles as an attorney, assistant prosecutor, and member of the Virginia House of Delegates.
