Published: September 2020

You private genetic testing information can be sold without warning—that needs to change

Help could be on the way for California consumers thanks to SB 980, a bill that was recently approved by the California legislature with strong bipartisan support. If signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the bill would provide strong privacy and security requirements over deeply personal data that Californians currently lack by way of consumer genetic testing services provided by companies like Ancestry and 23andMe.

Consumer Action joined in urging California Governor, Gavin Newsom, in signing important legislation that aims to strengthen state health privacy laws regarding popular genetic testing companies, like Ancestry and 23andMe. Millions of consumers have purchased services from direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies in search of insights about themselves—and their family members—that only genetic analysis can provide. However many consumers don’t realize these tests aren’t protected by existing privacy laws and the information can be sold without their knowledge or consent. SB 980 was approved by the California Legislature with bipartisan support and now Governor Newsom has the chance to sign the bill into law.

Lead Organization

Consumer Reports

Other Organizations

ACLU | Consumer Reports | Consumer Action | Consumer Federation of America | Electronic Frontier Foundation

More Information

For more information, please visit Consumer Reports.

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You private genetic testing information can be sold without warning—that needs to change   (SB_980_(Umberg).pdf)