A shadow fell over the personal genetic information of hundreds of thousands of Canadians two years ago, and now a proposed settlement offers a measure of redress. A data security breach at 23andMe exposed the deeply private details of nearly 320,000 individuals across the country, part of a global compromise affecting almost seven million people.
The breach, unfolding over five months starting in April 2023, wasn’t a simple leak of names and addresses. Hackers gained access to profoundly sensitive data – information about health predispositions, ancestral origins, and even details concerning family members.
Birthdates, sex assigned at birth, gender identity, and ethnicity were all swept up in the digital theft, creating a potential nightmare scenario for those who entrusted 23andMe with their most personal secrets. The implications extend far beyond simple identity theft, touching upon potential discrimination and emotional distress.
A proposed class-action settlement, valued at approximately $4.49 million, aims to compensate those affected. However, the company maintains this is a compromise, not an admission of wrongdoing, and continues to defend against the allegations.
Canadians who used 23andMe between May 1, 2023, and October 1, 2023, and received notification of the breach may be eligible for compensation. Those who incurred documented financial losses as a direct result of the incident could receive up to $2,500.
For those who qualify but didn’t experience direct financial harm, a smaller payment of roughly $17.77 is proposed. This modest sum reflects the widespread impact of the breach, even for those without quantifiable damages.
The settlement is unfolding amidst 23andMe’s financial struggles, as the company filed for bankruptcy in March. The proceedings are currently under review by courts in both the United States and Canada, requiring their approval before funds are distributed.
Legal fees, amounting to 33 percent of the total settlement, will be deducted. The initial U.S. dollar amount of the settlement was $3.25 million, which translates to approximately $4.49 million in Canadian currency.
