Data Breaches and Biotech Alliances: The Future of Health Tech in the UK and US
June 18, 2025, 6:00 am

Location: United States, California, Redwood City
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1998
Total raised: $15B
In the world of health tech, data is gold. But what happens when that gold is stolen? The recent fine imposed on 23andMe serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities lurking in the shadows of biotech innovation. The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) slapped the genetic testing firm with a hefty £2.31 million fine for failing to protect sensitive data belonging to over 155,000 customers. This breach, described as “profoundly damaging,” highlights the critical need for robust data security measures in an era where cyber threats loom large.
The breach occurred between April and September 2023, a time when hackers exploited reused login credentials through a method known as “credential stuffing.” This cyberattack allowed unauthorized access to users’ names, ethnicity, genetic traits, health reports, and family trees. Despite warning signs, including a failed login attempt on a million accounts in a single day, 23andMe delayed its response. The data was eventually found for sale on Reddit, a digital marketplace for illicit goods.
The ICO’s investigation revealed that 23andMe violated UK data protection laws in three significant ways: it failed to implement multi-factor authentication, lacked proper data control, and did not respond swiftly to the breach. The fallout from this incident has been severe. Once valued at $6 billion, 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2025, struggling to recover from the reputational damage and loss of consumer trust.
In a twist of fate, co-founder Anne Wojcicki has regained control of the company through a £305 million bid via her nonprofit, TTAM Research Institute. This acquisition, pending court approval, aims to steer 23andMe back on course. Wojcicki’s return symbolizes a last-ditch effort to revive the company’s mission of democratizing access to genetic information.
As the dust settles on the 23andMe scandal, the conversation shifts to the broader landscape of health tech. UK Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance recently called for a stronger US-UK alliance in the health tech and life sciences sectors. Speaking at the BIO 2025 global biotech conference in Boston, Vallance emphasized the potential for collaboration to unlock economic growth and medical innovation. He painted a picture of a future where the UK’s rich academic base and the US’s technological prowess combine to accelerate breakthroughs in disease treatment and diagnostics.
The UK government has identified life sciences as a core growth sector, pledging significant investments to bolster research and development. The recent Spending Review announced an increase in R&D funding from £20.4 billion to £22.6 billion annually by 2029-30. This financial commitment aims to support new treatments, AI advancements, and high-growth tech sectors. Vallance’s vision is clear: stronger ties between the UK and US can lead to healthier populations and more prosperous economies.
However, the path to collaboration is fraught with challenges. Data sharing remains a contentious issue, particularly in the life sciences sector, where confidentiality is paramount. Nick Portch, a director at Equinix, highlights the importance of secure collaboration. He argues that while companies may be cautious about sharing sensitive data, modern solutions exist to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Co-location data centers can facilitate secure data sharing, unlocking the potential for impactful medical treatments and faster outcomes.
The urgency for collaboration is underscored by the growing global competition in AI, biotech, and pharmaceuticals. The UK’s life sciences sector, valued at over £94 billion, is seen as a key driver for achieving government goals of increased productivity and improved health outcomes. Vallance’s call for a tighter UK-US relationship in health tech is not just a plea; it’s a strategic imperative.
As the world grapples with the implications of data breaches and the need for innovation, the lessons from 23andMe resonate. Companies must prioritize data security to build trust with consumers. The ICO’s warning is clear: failure to act on early signs of intrusion will not be tolerated. Data protection knows no borders, and neither should the collaboration between nations.
In conclusion, the future of health tech hinges on two pillars: robust data security and international collaboration. The 23andMe breach serves as a cautionary tale, while the call for a stronger US-UK alliance offers a glimmer of hope. As we navigate this complex landscape, the potential for groundbreaking advancements in health care is within reach. But only if we learn from the past and work together to forge a safer, more innovative future.
The breach occurred between April and September 2023, a time when hackers exploited reused login credentials through a method known as “credential stuffing.” This cyberattack allowed unauthorized access to users’ names, ethnicity, genetic traits, health reports, and family trees. Despite warning signs, including a failed login attempt on a million accounts in a single day, 23andMe delayed its response. The data was eventually found for sale on Reddit, a digital marketplace for illicit goods.
The ICO’s investigation revealed that 23andMe violated UK data protection laws in three significant ways: it failed to implement multi-factor authentication, lacked proper data control, and did not respond swiftly to the breach. The fallout from this incident has been severe. Once valued at $6 billion, 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2025, struggling to recover from the reputational damage and loss of consumer trust.
In a twist of fate, co-founder Anne Wojcicki has regained control of the company through a £305 million bid via her nonprofit, TTAM Research Institute. This acquisition, pending court approval, aims to steer 23andMe back on course. Wojcicki’s return symbolizes a last-ditch effort to revive the company’s mission of democratizing access to genetic information.
As the dust settles on the 23andMe scandal, the conversation shifts to the broader landscape of health tech. UK Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance recently called for a stronger US-UK alliance in the health tech and life sciences sectors. Speaking at the BIO 2025 global biotech conference in Boston, Vallance emphasized the potential for collaboration to unlock economic growth and medical innovation. He painted a picture of a future where the UK’s rich academic base and the US’s technological prowess combine to accelerate breakthroughs in disease treatment and diagnostics.
The UK government has identified life sciences as a core growth sector, pledging significant investments to bolster research and development. The recent Spending Review announced an increase in R&D funding from £20.4 billion to £22.6 billion annually by 2029-30. This financial commitment aims to support new treatments, AI advancements, and high-growth tech sectors. Vallance’s vision is clear: stronger ties between the UK and US can lead to healthier populations and more prosperous economies.
However, the path to collaboration is fraught with challenges. Data sharing remains a contentious issue, particularly in the life sciences sector, where confidentiality is paramount. Nick Portch, a director at Equinix, highlights the importance of secure collaboration. He argues that while companies may be cautious about sharing sensitive data, modern solutions exist to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Co-location data centers can facilitate secure data sharing, unlocking the potential for impactful medical treatments and faster outcomes.
The urgency for collaboration is underscored by the growing global competition in AI, biotech, and pharmaceuticals. The UK’s life sciences sector, valued at over £94 billion, is seen as a key driver for achieving government goals of increased productivity and improved health outcomes. Vallance’s call for a tighter UK-US relationship in health tech is not just a plea; it’s a strategic imperative.
As the world grapples with the implications of data breaches and the need for innovation, the lessons from 23andMe resonate. Companies must prioritize data security to build trust with consumers. The ICO’s warning is clear: failure to act on early signs of intrusion will not be tolerated. Data protection knows no borders, and neither should the collaboration between nations.
In conclusion, the future of health tech hinges on two pillars: robust data security and international collaboration. The 23andMe breach serves as a cautionary tale, while the call for a stronger US-UK alliance offers a glimmer of hope. As we navigate this complex landscape, the potential for groundbreaking advancements in health care is within reach. But only if we learn from the past and work together to forge a safer, more innovative future.