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Today — 22 May 2025Main stream

23andMe bankruptcy prompts Cornyn-Grassley-Klobuchar bipartisan bill to protect sensitive genetic data

FIRST ON FOX: Republican senators John Cornyn and Chuck Grassley and Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar are rolling out a bipartisan measure to protect sensitive genetic data in response to privacy concerns sparked by 23andMe's bankruptcy, Fox News Digital has learned. 

Cornyn, R-Texas; Grassley, R-Iowa; and Klobuchar, D-Minn., are introducing the Don’t Sell My DNA Act, which would safeguard customers’ sensitive genetic information when an entity that maintains data files for bankruptcy. The bill would add genetic information to the definition of "personally identifiable information" in the bankruptcy code. 

PROTECT YOUR GENETIC DATA: URGENT STEPS AFTER 23ANDME BANKRUPTCY

Under current law, the bankruptcy code provides protections for personally identifiable information in bankruptcy court proceedings to prevent the possibility of identity theft, harm or other unlawful injury. 

Senate aides told Fox News Digital the current definition of personally identifiable information includes an individual's name, address, email, phone number, Social Security number, credit card numbers and other information that could be used for identification purposes. 

Those aides said the definition is "outdated" and does not include a reference to genetic information, leaving the information vulnerable.

"This legislation would solve this problem by updating the definition of ‘personally identifiable information’ in the bankruptcy code to include genetic information," a Senate aide said. 

The bill also addresses consumer privacy concerns by having consumers affirmatively consent to the sale or lease of their genetic information after a bankruptcy case commences and requiring companies to provide prior written notice of the use, sale or lease of their genetic information during bankruptcy. 

The bill also requires the trustee or debtor in possession to delete any genetic information not subject to a sale or lease. 

"Advances in DNA testing have allowed Americans to have unprecedented access to important insights about their genetics, but these companies must have a plan to protect this data in the event of bankruptcy," Cornyn told Fox News Digital. 

"By updating the bankruptcy code, this legislation would safeguard Americans’ sensitive genetic information to ensure it cannot be weaponized against them or made public without their knowledge and consent."

And Klobuchar said companies "have profited off of Americans’ data while consumers have been left in the dark, which is especially concerning in light of reports that 23andMe plans to sell customer genetic data assets to a large pharmaceutical company." 

"This bill will put new protections in place to safeguard Americans’ privacy while giving consumers greater control over how their sensitive health data is shared," Klobuchar said. 

Grassley told Fox News Digital consumers should "feel confident that any personal information shared with a public company isn't up for grabs when that company files for bankruptcy."

Grassley told Fox News Digital the bill "would fill gaps in current law to help safeguard consumers' genetic information and ensure Americans' DNA isn't treated like any other financial asset." 

On Monday, 23andMe announced Regeneron Pharmaceuticals would purchase 23andMe through a bankruptcy auction. 

Senate aides said Regeneron promises to "protect consumer information, but the data privacy concerns for future bankruptcies remain." 

REGENERON PHARMACEUTICALS TO BUY BANKRUPT 23ANDME IN $256M DEAL

The genetic testing company 23andMe, once a pioneer in consumer DNA testing, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March amid financial struggles, a leadership shakeup and growing concerns about the security of its customers' genetic data.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals announced it will acquire "substantially all" of genetic testing company 23andMe's assets.

The pharmaceutical company said it won the court-supervised auction of the genetic testing company, with Regeneron agreeing to pay $256 million for the assets. The auction for 23andMe was part of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection it filed in March to arrange a sale of its business.

In its bankruptcy petition, the company estimated a range of $100 million to $500 million for its assets. Estimated liabilities were the same. 

The pharmaceutical company is buying 23andMe’s personal genome service and its health and research services segments, according to 23andMe. 

Before yesterdayMain stream

British tennis pro born with rare genetic disorder collapses mid-match in terrifying scene

British tennis player Francesca Jones was taken off the court in a wheelchair on Tuesday after she collapsed on the ground mid-match at the Copa Colsanitas tournament in Colombia. 

The terrifying scene unfolded in the third set of her Round of 32 match. Jones, 24, was preparing to serve against her opponent, Julia Riera of Argentina, when she appeared to lose her balance and stumble after tossing the ball in the air.

Jones fell onto the ground, where she stayed as officials ran to her aide. 

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It wasn’t immediately clear what caused the sudden collapse, but Riera and medical staff picked Jones up and placed her into a wheelchair. Jones was forced to retire from the tournament, and later took to Instagram to explain the cause of Tuesday’s scene.

"After winning the event in Brazil on Sunday, our total trip took over 24 [hours], with minimal rest and recovery from a long week. Bogota is renowned for its altitude, and often takes a few days to adapt. Unfortunately upon our arrival Monday afternoon we were unable to practice due to rain and this meant that aside from my low-level pre match warm up, my first exposure to the limited oxygen levels at a high intensity was my match," she explained in a post to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday. 

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"As the match went on, I worked hard to give myself the opportunity to stay competitive while trying to get used to the conditions but progressively struggled; blurry vision eventually leading to collapsing, with no cramp having occurred."

Jones went on to explain that testing showed that her heart "worked a little too hard." She noted that there were no long-term issues as a result of the incident.

"Bogota is one of my favorite events of the year and I hope to reconnect in 2026 under different circumstances. After a few days rest, I will continue to build on the improvements made to date this season. Thank you for the messages and concern," she concluded. 

Jones was born with a rare genetic condition called Ectrodactyly Ectodermal Dysplasia, a condition that causes the hands and feet to develop abnormally. She has seven toes and is missing a finger on each hand.

Despite the odds stacked against her, Jones has seen great success on the tennis court and has spoken openly about her journey. She is currently ranked No. 129 on the WTA and has won eight ITF singles titles. 

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