FDA halts sales of 23andMe DNA test kits

[BlueEye]

19. Well, privacy with regard to genetic testing information is a major concern...

Addressed in the 2008 Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA). The law was supported by the Human Genome Project and NIH, and was co-sponsored by Sen. Ted Kennedy. It passed with broad bipartisan support.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic_Information_Nondiscrimination_Act

In order for 23andMe to be legal, they had to disclose their business plan to the government and prove that the "genetic information" they produce for customers is totally confidential and would not be distributed to future insurers or employers. The key to the 2008 GINA law was preventing insurance companies from getting information about prospect customers and their potential for preexisting conditions which could then be used in a discriminatory manner. Even today, post PPACA, this privacy is a major concern and 23andMe is GINA compliant, according to their Terms of Service.

That is to say nothing of the accuracy of their results, of course.