When you sign up for a DNA testing service or bring smart devices into your home, you might not think much about where your personal data ends up. After the news about 23andMe selling off user data during bankruptcy, many people are asking what this means for their own information. If you want to understand what risks to your information are out there and what you can do about them, keep reading.
What’s Happening With the 23andMe Data Sale
23andMe is a company that sells genetic testing kits. People send in a saliva sample and receive information about their ancestry and health. 23andMe has never really been profitable, so eventually ran into financial trouble and needed to file for bankruptcy. This process often means that a company needs to look for ways to pay off its debts, which may include selling off different assets.
One of the biggest assets for 23andMe is user data. This data includes genetic information, names, contact details, and sometimes health history. During the bankruptcy process, this data was put up for sale. Buyers can be other companies or groups interested in genetic information for research or marketing. The sale of this type of data brings up questions about who owns personal information once it is handed over to a company.
When user data is sold, privacy becomes a concern. People expect their genetic information to stay private, but selling this data may put it in the hands of someone new. This can lead to worries about how the information will be used. Some people may not have read the terms closely when they signed up, so they might not have realized their data could be sold if the company went bankrupt. This situation brings up larger questions about data privacy and control over personal information.
Smart Home Devices and Data Security
Smart home devices collect a wide range of information. Some record voice commands and conversations, while others track when you are home or away. Many gather data about your daily habits, like what time you turn lights on or off, or the temperature settings you prefer. Video doorbells and security cameras may record footage of your front door or inside your home. Even smart refrigerators and thermostats store details about how often you use them and what you set them to do.
Storing this information on the device itself or in the cloud brings risks. Your data could end up sold or shared with other companies. If the device or the company’s servers are not protected well, hackers might get access to your personal details. Companies keep more data than you expect, and that information can end up shared or sold without your knowledge.
Recommendations for Protecting Your Data
Pick Devices Based on Privacy
Picking devices that use strong security can help keep your data safer. Look for companies with strong data protection policies ( we recommend looking for a SOC 2 report ) and read through privacy policies before buying. This can show you what data the device collects and how it is stored. Some devices also allow you to turn off certain features that may collect more information than you want to share.
If you want to lower how much data is collected, start by checking the privacy settings on your devices and apps. Turn off or limit features that share your location or usage patterns. You can also delete old accounts or limit what you share on social media. Reading privacy statements gives you an idea of what companies collect, and reaching out to customer support can sometimes help you make changes or remove your information.
Go Local with Devices
Using local smart home services means your data stays in your home, not in the cloud. Products that process information on the device itself will not send as much data to outside servers. This can cut down on the amount of personal information that leaves your home, lowering some risks tied to data sales or leaks.
If you have the technical capability, we recommend also hosting smart home services in house. Services like Home Assistant are a great option for a smart home hub and voice assistant. Using a Zigbee or ZWave based network for your smart home devices keeps them from communicating data back to the cloud.
In Summary
The sale of user data by 23andMe during its bankruptcy shows how personal information can be treated as a business asset. The same risks can come up with smart home devices and other tech products that collect and store your data. Taking simple steps like checking privacy settings, picking products with stronger security, and understanding what data is being collected can help you keep more control over your information. While you may not be able to stop every risk, being aware of how your data could be used or sold is a good way to make better choices about the tools and services you use.
