logo
episode-header-image
Jun 25
17m 28s

When a home DNA testing company fails...

Bbc World Service
About this episode

What happens to our data once it's been handed over to DNA testing companies?

One such firm, 23andMe, filed for bankruptcy earlier this year.

The company was set up to help people could track their ancestry - one of a number of similar sites using DNA data to create links and matches between users.

However the company has been dogged by privacy concerns over its use of customer information and was fined for a data breach that exposed UK customers.

What lessons can be learned now the company's been bought out of bankruptcy by its co-founder?

Produced and presented by David Reid

(Image: Woman swabbing her mouth for a DNA test. Credit: Getty Images)

Up next
Yesterday
The impact of 'thirsty' data centres
We're in the US state of Georgia, where huge data centres need water to keep cool. But how is this need for cloud storage and AI capability affecting local residents and the environment?Presenter: Michelle Fleury Producer: Nathalie Jimenez(Image: Georgia resident Beverly Morris l ... Show More
17m 50s
Jul 8
Does university still get you a well-paid job?
Graduates are facing one of the toughest jobs markets in decades. We hear from students in India, the US and UK about whether they feel a university or college degree is worth it as we discuss the cost of attending university around the world and what your job prospects might be ... Show More
17m 27s
Jul 7
Returning to Ukraine?
The UN estimates that nearly seven million Ukrainians have left their home country since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. Many have set up businesses in their new country - around 90,000 of those in Poland. We hear about the challenges they’ve faced, and the sectors ... Show More
17m 30s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 4
DNA and Bankruptcy Collide With 23andMe
The genetic testing company 23andMe filed for bankruptcy in March, after years of slowing sales, legal trouble, and a declining stock price. And now, the valuable trove of genetic data the company owns is for sale, sparking privacy concerns.  On today’s Big Take, Bloomberg biotec ... Show More
16m 30s
May 11
The drama and trauma of 23andMe
With the at-home DNA testing company 23andMe filing for bankruptcy, what happens to all the data millions of Americans handed over? And how should you approach the family you've found through sites like these? If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545. Or send us a ... Show More
32m 45s
May 11
The drama and trauma of 23andMe
With the at-home DNA testing company 23andMe filing for bankruptcy, what happens to all the data millions of Americans handed over? And how should you approach the family you've found through sites like these? If you have a question, give us a call on 1-800-618-8545. Or send us a ... Show More
32m 45s
Mar 2025
The rise and fall of DNA testing company 23andMe
The genetic testing firm 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy, another twist in the story of a company that promised a pioneering approach to precision health. Now users are scrambling to delete their personal data, with the future ownership of the firm uncertain. To understand the h ... Show More
21m 49s
Oct 2024
Google: The Couple That Took On The Tech Giant
When Shivaun and Adam Raff's shopping and price comparison website all but vanished from Google's search results just days after launching, the pair began a gruelling legal battle that would end with a landmark judgement and the tech giant receiving a then record fine.European re ... Show More
37m 32s
Nov 2024
#259 Getting the Data For Your Data-Driven Decisions with Jonathan Bloch & Scott Voigt
We’re improving DataFramed, and we need your help! We want to hear what you have to say about the show, and how we can make it more enjoyable for you—find out more here.Understanding where the data you use comes from, how to use it responsibly, and how to maximize its value has b ... Show More
46m 16s
Jan 2024
Finding a Good Business After 2+ Years of Searching
Register here for the webinar, The Anatomy of an LOI:https://bit.ly/3SsxKrt Ryan Doyle was 2 long years into searching when he walked away from a deal, but he was rewarded for the self discipline. Topics in Ryan’s interview:Lessons learned from a failed dealValue of a thorough qu ... Show More
1h 31m
Nov 2024
Unlock Next-Level Patient Care with DNA Profiling | Kashif Khan
Every patient's hearing needs are unique, but too often, audiologists are forced to rely on one-size-fits-all solutions. After battling multiple chronic conditions, Kashif Khan saw firsthand how traditional healthcare falls short. That experience led him to create a research comp ... Show More
37m 57s
May 8
How to Recover from a Fraudulent Seller
Register for the webinar:Deal Structuring Under the New SBA Rules - TODAY May 8th - https://bit.ly/4jFLpX2Jason Jackson thought he bought a $1.5m SDE dental practice. In fact, the business was losing money & engaging in fraud.Topics in Jason’s interview:Value of pattern recogniti ... Show More
1h 25m
Jun 4
UnitedHealth Group: Beyond The Premium - [Business Breakdowns, EP.219]
This is Zack Fuss. Today, we're tackling a giant in a controversial and incredibly complex industry, UnitedHealth Group. At its recent apex, UNH was a half-trillion-dollar market cap business, the 15th largest listed business in the United States. Today, that market cap sits at j ... Show More
1h 4m