Arizona sues 23andMe to block auction of genetic data from 15 million customers

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joined a multistate lawsuit on Tuesday to halt of private genetic information.

Jun 11, 2025, 10:54 AM Updated: 11:20 am

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PHOENIX — Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joined a multistate lawsuit on Tuesday to halt the sale of private genetic information.

She is suing to prevent 23andMe, a popular DNA testing company, from auctioning a genetic database containing information from around 15 million customers, according to an Arizona Attorney General Officer’s release.

Details on 23andMe Arizona lawsuit

The company is trying to sell the data after filing for bankruptcy back in March.

The lawsuit claimed the company is selling customer’s genetic information without their consent.

“Arizonans trusted 23andMe with some of the most sensitive and personal data they possess — their genetic information,” Mayes said in the statement.

“They didn’t sign up to have that information sold off in a bankruptcy auction. My office is fighting to ensure that deeply personal genetic data isn’t treated like a used car or office furniture and auctioned off to the highest bidder.”

Mayes said sensitive genetic information, including biological samples, DNA, health characteristics and medical records, should not be sold without consent.

The lawsuit aims to prevent customer genetic data from being misused, leaked through data breaches or used in manners that were never agreed to.

If companies interested in purchasing the data refuse to prove consent, the genetic information may not be sold.

Earlier this year, Mayes urged Arizonans to permanently delete their genetic information from 23andMe’s website.