23andMe sees independent board directors quit en masse
TechCrunchSEP 28 2024
23andMe to Slash 40% of Staff
Above: 23andMe headquarters on Feb. 01, 2024, in Sunnyvale, California. Image copyright: Justin Sullivan/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
While 23andMe was genuine in its pursuit to democratize the health care industry, it stretched itself too thin by attempting multiple unproven businesses simultaneously. By shifting to genetic testing without retaining a strong ancestry-focused service, it was left vulnerable and ultimately killed by federal regulation. 23andMe shouldn't have put all of its eggs into one basket without knowing they would hatch.
Narrative B
23andMe was ethically compromised from the beginning, as it was funneling untold amounts of genetic information into a Google database. Its claim that all data collection was consensual was also false, as the company used its research and development clause to collect everyone's genetic material with or without permission. Even those who supported the health care democratization aspect of the company were concerned about its relationship with Big Tech.