AG Drummond files suit to protect Oklahomans’ genetic information

Drummond files suit to protect Oklahomans’ genetic information

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 16, 2025) – Attorney General Gentner Drummond has filed a federal lawsuit to block genetic testing company 23andMe from selling the private DNA information of 15 million customers without their permission. He joined attorneys general from 27 other states in the legal challenge, arguing that the company's plan to auction off customers' genetic data as part of its bankruptcy proceedings violates consumer protection laws. 

“Oklahomans trusted 23andMe with their most personal information, and now the company wants to sell that data to the highest bidder without even asking permission," said Drummond. "This isn't just another business asset that can be auctioned off. This is deeply personal genetic information that could affect not just customers, but their children and grandchildren for generations to come. We're taking legal action to ensure that Oklahomans maintain control over their own genetic data.” 

23andMe filed for bankruptcy and is now seeking to sell off its assets, including sensitive genetic and health data, in a high-stakes auction. Oklahoma and other states filed the lawsuit to protect each customer’s right to control such personal information and to prevent it from being sold like ordinary property. 

The states argue that this kind of information—biological samples, DNA data, health-related traits and medical records—is too sensitive to be sold without each person’s express, informed consent. By filing the lawsuit, the states will be helping ensure that people’s genetic data isn’t misused, exposed in future data breaches, or used in ways customers never contemplated when they signed up to have their DNA analyzed. 

Joining this lawsuit are the attorneys general from Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin. 

Read the filings.