Today, Explained: The Drama and Trauma of 23andMe

Vox's daily news explainer podcast, "Today, Explained," hosted by Sean Rameswaram and Noel King, delves into the most pressing stories of the day. In the episode titled "The Drama and Trauma of 23andMe," released on May 11, 2025, the hosts explore the emotional and ethical complexities surrounding at-home DNA testing companies, focusing on the recent bankruptcy of 23andMe and its implications for genetic privacy.

1. Hannah's Quest: Finding a Lost Father [01:12 – 07:19]

The episode opens with a listener story submitted by Hannah, who reaches out seeking guidance on how to find a lost relative. Hannah shares her heartfelt journey of searching for her father, whom she had never met.

Hannah’s Story:

• Background: Raised by a single mother in Brooklyn, Hannah had only one fleeting memory of her father at the age of six. Her mother chose to raise her independently, believing it was the right decision at the time.
• The Search: Utilizing public records rather than DNA testing, Hannah discovered her father's address in Brooklyn. To her surprise, he had never moved and lived nearby.
• Emotional Reunion: The first phone call was initially met with confusion, mistaking her for a bill collector. After persistent attempts, her father acknowledged her, leading to an emotional and reconciliatory meeting over lunch with her newfound half-brothers.

Notable Quote:

Hannah: "I was in shock, but also felt really relieved. Like, I was saying before, just this huge mystery about myself. And it really felt like, just so much closure in that one moment of, wow. Like, he exists. He's there. He's a person. I'm talking to him."
[06:31]

2. The Rise and Struggles of 23andMe [10:38 – 18:08]

The narrative shifts to the broader context of at-home DNA testing, particularly focusing on 23andMe's journey and recent bankruptcy.

History of DNA Testing:

• Human Genome Project: Completed in 2003, it laid the foundation for understanding human genetics, sparking excitement in the field.
• 23andMe's Emergence: Founded in 2006, the company began offering DNA tests for ancestry and health information. Prices dropped over time, making these tests accessible to the average consumer.

Challenges and Bankruptcy:

• Monetization Issues: Despite selling numerous tests, 23andMe never achieved profitability. The company struggled to monetize genetic data effectively.
• Data Privacy Concerns: With the bankruptcy announcement, questions arose about the fate of consumers' genetic data. While existing privacy policies remain unchanged, future ownership could impact data usage.

Notable Quote:

Emily Mullen: "I think people are much more aware of the privacy risks now than when these tests first came out. So I think there's been an erosion of trust with these companies for at least a couple of years now."
[17:24]

3. Expert Insights: Emily Mullen on Genetic Data Privacy [10:38 – 18:08]

Emily Mullen, a biotech correspondent for Wired, provides an in-depth analysis of the genetic testing industry and its pitfalls.

Key Points:

• Data Usage: Consumers who opted into data sharing for research may find their information used by new owners post-bankruptcy.
• Regulatory Gaps: Federal laws like HIPAA do not protect genetic data collected by companies like 23andMe. Some states, like California, have more stringent protections, but there is no comprehensive federal regulation.
• Consumer Actions: Mullen advises consumers to delete their genetic data from 23andMe if they have concerns, outlining the steps to do so on the company's website.

Notable Quote:

Emily Mullen: "If you are one of those people who previously opted into your data being used for research purposes, and you haven't logged into 23andMe since you've taken a test, your data could likely be used by whoever the new owner is for these purposes."
[15:06]

4. Connecting with Found Family: Insights from Libby Copeland [19:35 – 29:00]

Libby Copeland, author of "Lost Family," discusses the profound impact of DNA technology on personal and familial relationships.

Key Discussions:

• Biological vs. Non-Biological Family: Copeland explores the distinction and emotional significance of connecting with genetic relatives versus familial bonds formed through upbringing.
• Navigating New Relationships: She offers strategies for individuals like Hannah to approach newfound family members respectfully and thoughtfully, emphasizing the importance of gradual relationship building.
• Emotional and Ethical Considerations: Copeland highlights the potential emotional turmoil and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals seeking to connect with lost relatives, especially when existing family dynamics are involved.

Notable Quotes:

Libby Copeland: "Connecting with someone first can be a respectful way to start if you're able to make a connection with that person."
[22:08]

Libby Copeland: "The danger of the promise of DNA testing when it's used like this can be that we interpret it in a really simplistic way, right. That we think, okay, DNA is destiny."
[26:27]

5. Navigating Emotional Terrain and Ethical Boundaries [25:12 – 29:00]

The conversation delves deeper into the emotional complexities and ethical boundaries of discovering and forming relationships with genetic relatives.

Challenges Highlighted:

• Emotional Impact: Individuals may experience shock, relief, confusion, and a sense of closure upon finding lost family members.
• Ethical Approaches: Copeland advises starting with open communication, setting boundaries, and approaching new relationships with sensitivity to avoid disrupting existing family structures.
• Personal Identity: The discovery of genetic relatives can lead to profound questions about identity, heritage, and the interplay between nature and nurture.

Notable Quote:

Libby Copeland: "If you're adopted, you may never have had the experience [of seeing genetic similarities], it's profound."
[26:05]

6. The Future of Genetic Data and Consumer Trust [29:00 – 30:08]

As the episode concludes, Copeland reflects on the balance between the benefits and risks of genetic testing.

Final Insights:

• Potential vs. Risk: While genetic testing can unearth meaningful connections and historical insights, the lack of regulation poses significant risks to consumer privacy.
• Personal Responsibility: Copeland emphasizes the importance of consumers being proactive in managing their genetic data and understanding the implications of sharing it.

Notable Quote:

Libby Copeland: "If it's better regulated in other places, absolutely. But my own family's success story of finding relatives could make me cry... But if it's not regulated, if it's not controlled, it's starting to scare me quite a bit more than it used to."
[29:00]

Conclusion

In this episode of "Today, Explained," hosts Sean Rameswaram and Noel King shed light on the intimate and often tumultuous experiences of individuals navigating the world of at-home DNA testing. Through Hannah's personal story and expert interviews with Emily Mullen and Libby Copeland, the podcast explores the promise and peril of genetic genealogy, emphasizing the need for greater regulation and thoughtful engagement with newfound family connections.

For listeners eager to understand the intricate balance between technological advancement and personal privacy, this episode offers a comprehensive and emotionally resonant exploration of the genetic testing landscape.