• How will the benefits of any discoveries or developments be shared with the individuals whose data contributed to them?

The tension between the potential scientific and medical advancements that could come from analyzing this genetic goldmine and the privacy rights of individuals is at the heart of the debate surrounding 23andMe's future.

The Regulatory Vacuum

One of the most critical aspects of the 23andMe situation is the regulatory environment - or lack thereof - in which the company operates. Unlike many health-related companies, 23andMe is not bound by the strict regulations of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), which sets standards for protecting sensitive patient health information.