23andMe’s founder wins bid to regain control of bankrupt DNA testing firm
GuardianJUN 17
23andMe Founder Wojcicki Wins $305M Bankruptcy Auction
Above: Anne Wojcicki during a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing on June 10 in Washington. Image copyright: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This acquisition is a victory for consumer privacy and data protection. Wojcicki's commitment to maintaining existing privacy policies and implementing new safeguards demonstrates a genuine concern for customer welfare. The nonprofit structure ensures the company won't be driven solely by profit motives, potentially providing better long-term protection for sensitive genetic data.
Establishment-critical narrative
The deal raises serious concerns about corporate accountability and data security. Wojcicki was CEO during the massive 2023 breach that compromised millions of accounts, yet she's now buying back the company at a fraction of its former value. This sets a troubling precedent where executives can benefit from their own failures.