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Individuals hoping to learn about their lineage or see how closely related they are to Neanderthals aren’t the only ones interested in the DNA tests sold by 23andMe — the FBI and other law enforcement agencies are, too.
In a transparency report published Wednesday, the direct-to-consumer genetic-testing startup revealed that law enforcement officials have requested five customers’ data over the course of the company’s nearly decade-long history. 23andMe says it hasn’t provided data in any of those cases.
“We’ve successfully fought all of those requests and we’ve had to provide no information to law enforcement,” said Kate Black — who became 23andMe’s first privacy officer in February — in an interview with BuzzFeed News. “That’s something we’re really proud of. I personally am dedicated to ensuring that we never have to give that kind of information.”
The FBI maintains its own national DNA registry of convicts and arrestees, but 23andMe has more than 1 million DNA samples (a number that may grow as the company reintroduces health-related tests), many of which aren’t already part of government registries...
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