U.K., Canada privacy watchdogs launch probe into 23andMe data breach

The U.K.’s Information Commissioner’s Office and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada have launched a joint investigation into the data breach that happened in October 2023 at the global direct-to-consumer genetic testing company 23andMe. UK Information Commissioner John Edwards and Privacy Commissioner of Canada Philippe Dufresne will investigate the 23andMe breach jointly, leveraging the combined resources and expertise of their two offices. “People need to trust that any organisation handling their most sensitive personal information has the appropriate security and safeguards in place,” said U.K. Information Commissioner John Edwards. “This data breach had an international impact, and we look forward to collaborating with our Canadian counterparts to ensure the personal information of people in the UK is protected.”