Genetics testing company 23andMe facing investigation over data breach

Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A joint investigation into a data breach at DNA testing company 23andMe has been launched by the UK and Canada data protection watchdogs. This data breach had an international impact, and we look forward to collaborating with our Canadian counterparts to ensure the personal information of people in the UK is protected Information Commissioner The ICO said: “23andMe is a custodian of highly sensitive personal information, including genetic information which does not change over time. “This makes public trust in these services essential.” UK Information Commissioner John Edwards said: “People need to trust that any organisation handling their most sensitive personal information has the appropriate security and safeguards in place. “This data breach had an international impact, and we look forward to collaborating with our Canadian counterparts to ensure the personal information of people in the UK is protected.” Privacy Commissioner of Canada Philippe Dufresne said: “In the wrong hands, an individual’s genetic information could be misused for surveillance or discrimination.