Iowa is now among 42 states that have reached a settlement with the genetics and biotech company, 23andMe.
A lawsuit against 23andMe was filed in 2023 after a massive data breach that impacted nearly 7 million people, according to the Iowa Attorney General’s office. The breach reportedly exposed customers’ genetic ancestry information, personal information and other data, later published for sale on the dark web.
“Thousands of Iowans used 23andme to find out about their ancestry,” Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird said in a statement. “What should have been an enlightening experience turned into a nightmare when their sensitive genetic data was breached because of 23andme’s severe lack of security and then their persistent lack of accountability. This settlement is part of making sure this kind of breach will not happen again to Iowans.”
23andMe agreed to pay a previous settlement worth $30 million following a class-action lawsuit against the company for the same data breach.
In 2025, 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and CEO Anne Wojcicki resigned from her position.
The company’s assets, including consumer data, were later sold to TTAM Research Institute, a nonprofit formed by Wojcicki.
How much money will Iowa get from 23andMe settlement?
States were originally set to receive $150 million in claims, but that amount was reduced to $18 million due to the bankruptcy. Of that $18 million, Iowa will receive nearly $430,000.
A bankruptcy court also approved a $46.8 million class-action lawsuit against 23andMe, which will directly compensate impacted customers, including Iowans, who filed claims by Feb. 17, 2026.
Iowa’s share of the settlement, according to the lawsuit, will be used for future consumer protection enforcement, general compensatory or remedial purposes, and/or other purpose permitted by state law.
What is 23andMe?
23andMe allows customers to learn more about their ancestral background. Customers provide a saliva sample that is used to create personalized genetic reports on ancestry, traits, and even health risks.
The company offers three different plans based on customers’ needs, ranging from $99 to $499.
23andMe was founded in 2006 and has, according to Reuters, more than 15 million customers.
Emery Glover is an audience engagement specialist for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at eglover@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa, 41 other states to receive money from 23andMe settlement
Reporting by Emery Glover, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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By Emery Glover, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
