Monday, June 16, 2025

23andMe battles for survival: DNA testing in jeopardy.

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Three years ago, DNA-testing company 23andMe was extremely successful, with a share price even higher than Apple’s.

However, things have changed drastically since then. Its share price has dropped significantly, and it almost got removed from the stock market.

Moreover, the company, which holds very sensitive customer data, is now struggling to survive.

Despite facing challenges, 23andMe assures that it is dedicated to safeguarding customer information and privacy.

So, how did a once-thriving tech company end up fighting for survival?

DNA gold rush

In the past, 23andMe had famous clients like Snoop Dogg and Oprah Winfrey, and users received life-changing genetic information.

However, in a few years, the company’s value plummeted, signaling significant problems.

Expert opinions point to a lack of a sustainable business model and delays in turning DNA data into profitable drug research as key issues.

These challenges have raised doubts about whether 23andMe can endure in the long run.

Getty Images Co-founder Anne Wojcicki with then husband Sergei Brin at a 23andMe 'Spit party' in New York
Getty Images
Co-founder Anne Wojcicki with then husband Sergei Brin at a 23andMe ‘Spit party’ in New York

The company’s leadership turmoil and uncertainties about its future have added to the company’s woes.

Rumors suggest that 23andMe may shut down or be sold, although the firm denies this possibility.

These uncertain times have prompted concerns among competitors and regulators.

What happens to the DNA?

Aside from financial struggles, the company’s uncertain future raises serious privacy concerns.

Experts worry about the sensitive nature of genetic data and its potential misuse.

While 23andMe reassures customers about data protection, some remain cautious about the security of their information.

In conclusion, safeguarding personal data is crucial in today’s digital age, especially with companies that handle highly sensitive information like DNA.


Vocabulary List:

  1. Sensitive /ˈsɛnsɪtɪv/ (adjective): Easily affected or hurt; requiring careful handling.
  2. Safeguarding /ˈseɪfɡɑːrdɪŋ/ (verb): Protecting something from harm or damage.
  3. Turmoil /ˈtɜːrmɔɪl/ (noun): A state of great disturbance or confusion.
  4. Struggling /ˈstrʌɡəlɪŋ/ (verb): Experiencing difficulty in achieving a desired outcome.
  5. Plummeted /ˈplʌmɪtɪd/ (verb): Fell or dropped straight down at high speed; decreased suddenly.
  6. Uncertainties /ʌnˈsɜːrtəntiz/ (noun): Situations in which something is not known or definite.

How much do you know?

When was 23andMe extremely successful?
Three years ago
Five years ago
Ten years ago
At its inception
What contributed to the drop in 23andMe's share price?
Lack of famous clients
Turmoil in leadership
Sustainable business model
Profitable drug research
Which company almost got removed from the stock market?
23andMe
Apple
Snoop Dogg
Oprah Winfrey
Who holds very sensitive customer data?
23andMe
Apple
Snoop Dogg
Oprah Winfrey
What raised doubts about 23andMe's sustainability?
Lack of competitors
Profitable drug research
Turmoil in leadership
Famous clients
What is a key concern for experts regarding 23andMe?
Data protection
Profitable drug research
Famous clients
Turmoil in leadership
23andMe has always been struggling financially.
Rumors suggest that 23andMe might be sold or shut down.
Customers have no concerns about the security of their information with 23andMe.
It is crucial to safeguard personal data with companies like 23andMe.
23andMe denies the possibility of being sold or shut down.
Competitors are not concerned about the uncertain future of 23andMe.
The co-founder Anne Wojcicki was mentioned attending a 23andMe 'Spit party' with her then husband .
The company's value plummeted due to a lack of a sustainable business model and delays in turning DNA data into profitable drug research.
One of the worries experts have about 23andMe is the potential misuse of data.
Safeguarding personal data is especially crucial in today's digital age, particularly with companies that handle highly sensitive information like .
23andMe has been struggling with leadership turmoil and uncertainties about its .
The uncertain times at 23andMe have raised concerns among and regulators.
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