Attorney General Paxton Secures $150 Million Settlement Against 23andMe Over Data Breach That Exposed Genetic Information of 6.9 Million People
Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a $150 million settlement against 23andMe regarding a massive 2023 genetic data breach.Summary
Attorney General Ken Paxton has secured a settlement involving $150 million for a multistate coalition of 42 states to resolve claims against 23andMe. This settlement follows a 2023 data breach that compromised the genetic and personal information of 6.9 million customers, some of which was subsequently sold on the dark web.
The investigation revealed that 23andMe employed unreasonable data security practices and failed to implement adequate safeguards. Following the company's bankruptcy filing in March 2025, the settlement was reached as part of bankruptcy proceedings. The agreement mandates enhanced data security standards, comprehensive risk assessments, and the establishment of an independent advisory board to ensure better stewardship of consumer information.
While the total settlement for the states is $150 million, the actual recovery for Texas is limited to $1,266,860 due to the finite funds in the bankruptcy estate. Additionally, 23andMe has agreed to a $46.75 million class-action settlement to provide relief to affected U.S. consumers who file claims by February 17, 2026.
(Source：The Post Newspaper)