Consumers Affected
6,000,000
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong submitted testimony in support of genetic privacy legislation that would grant residents exclusive control over their DNA and genetic data. The legislation is inspired by his office's investigation into 23andMe's data breach affecting over six million customers and the company's subsequent bankruptcy. The bill requires express consent for DNA use, imposes security measures, and prohibits marketing use of DNA.
Entity
23andMe
Industry
HealthcareOfficial Press Release
https://portal.ct.gov/ag/press-releases/2026-press-releases/attorney-general-tong-submits-testimony-in-support-of-genetic-privacy-legislation
gl testimony on hb 5128 genetic privacy final.pdf?rev=db7795
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/ag/press_releases/2026/gl-testimony-on-hb-5128---genetic-privacy--final.pdf?rev=db77951189e24847a9abb658cca8c627&hash=DC4F53617F29E40B314470CD8E07112E
Connecticut Attorney General Enforcement Page
https://portal.ct.gov/AG/Privacy/Privacy-Resources
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit in the 23andMe bankruptcy case to prevent the sale of Texans' genetic data without proper consent. The action seeks to confirm Texans' property rights over their genetic information under the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act and the Texas Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing Act. The AG argues that 23andMe's proposed asset sale would violate Texas law requiring separate express consent for disclosure of genetic information.
Connecticut joined a coalition of 28 attorneys general to object to 23andMe's proposed sale of genetic data in bankruptcy without customer consent. The states argue such sensitive information requires express consent and cannot be sold like ordinary property. Attorney General Tong also advised consumers to delete their data and genetic samples.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a motion to appoint a Consumer Privacy Ombudsman in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy case of 23andMe to protect the sensitive genetic and personal data of Texans. The genetic testing company seeks to sell assets that may include genetic data, health information, and personally identifiable information. The AG's office is also informing Texans of their rights under Texas law to request deletion of their data and genetic samples.
$100K
The Connecticut Attorney General announced a $100,000 settlement with Spruce Power 3, LLC to resolve an investigation into billing, customer service, and warranty issues stemming from consumer complaints. The settlement includes refunds for improper charges and requires reforms to improve billing practices and response times. Separately, an investigation was initiated into SunStrong Management LLC based on approximately 65 consumer complaints regarding warranty failures, unresponsiveness, and fees.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined a coalition of 17 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education to stop new data reporting requirements under IPEDS that demand detailed student information. The coalition argues the requirements are unlawful, arbitrary, and jeopardize student privacy by requesting in-depth data that could lead to inadvertent errors and baseless investigations. The lawsuit seeks an injunction to block the implementation of these requirements.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, joined by 17 other attorneys general, filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education to block new IPEDS data reporting requirements that demand student information disaggregated by race and sex. The coalition argues the rushed implementation is unlawful, invades student privacy, and risks unreliable data and baseless investigations. They seek an injunction to halt the data collection and protect student privacy.