FTC Takes Action Against Genetic Testing Firm for Data Mishandling

The Federal Trade Commission has charged genetic testing company 1Health.io with failing to protect customers' genetic data, marking the agency's first case focused on the privacy and security of genetic information. The company incurred security lapses that could have put consumer data at risk, and failed to keep several core promises, including its claims that it would not store DNA results with a customer's name or other identifying information. As part of a proposed order against the company, 1Health.io is required to pay $75,000 in consumer refunds and implement a comprehensive information security plan.