Customers using 23andMe can get payment from $30 million data breach settlement – but the dates will affect the amount
Genetic testing giant 23andMe has agreed to a $30 million settlement in response to a class action lawsuit stemming from a significant data breach in 2023. This breach exposed the personal data of millions of customers and raised accusations against the company for inadequately protecting user information and delaying notifications to affected individuals.
Denial of Wrongdoing
Despite the settlement, 23andMe has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the decision to settle was made in the best interest of its customers. A spokesperson for the company stated, as reported by Fox Business, “We continue to believe this settlement is in the best interest of 23andMe customers, and we look forward to finalizing the agreement.”
Settlement Breakdown
The settlement amount includes approximately $25 million covered by the company’s cyber insurance, which will also assist in covering legal expenses. However, the agreement is still pending final approval from a judge before any payments can be distributed to affected customers.
Timeline of Events
The breach became publicly known in October 2023 when reports emerged that customer information from 23andMe was being sold on the dark web. Hackers reportedly accessed names, birth years, genders, and ancestry details, among other non-DNA information. By December, 23andMe confirmed that personal data from about 6.9 million users—nearly half of its customer base—had been compromised.
Method of the Breach
The breach was attributed to a cyberattack technique known as “credential stuffing,” where hackers use usernames and passwords from previous data breaches to gain access to accounts. Customers who reused the same login credentials across multiple platforms were particularly at risk.
Eligibility for Compensation
For affected 23andMe users, the timing of the breach will influence eligibility for payouts. Customers impacted by the data breach between October and December 2023 may qualify for compensation once the settlement is finalized. However, details regarding individual payout amounts have not yet been disclosed.
Monitoring Updates
As the judge’s approval is still pending, impacted customers are advised to stay vigilant for updates to determine their eligibility for a share of the settlement. Those affected should watch for official notifications from 23andMe regarding claim submissions and payment timelines.
Other Settlement Opportunities
In addition to the 23andMe settlement, there are other opportunities for consumers. Home Depot is set to pay a $2 million settlement after allegations of overcharging customers. Additionally, a filing settlement is available that offers three ways for taxpayers to claim cash from a $14.96 million settlement.
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