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23andMe will close access to genetic data for external applications
Sergey Kolenov, Hi-tech+
In 2012, 23andMe became one of the first companies to provide access to its data for external applications. The idea was to attract developers to create a wide range of software for working with genetic information. However, 6 years later, 23andMe announced that it would stop supporting third-party applications.
After the scandal with the leakage of personal data from Facebook, the topic of privacy has become one of the hottest. Against this background, 23andMe decided to close access to its genetic data to third-party applications, reports Wired. The company does not consider the idea itself dangerous, but is concerned about the ease with which the user's genetic information may end up in the hands of third parties.
Protecting personal information is not the only reason. The company is also concerned about the proliferation of scientifically dubious fitness and diet apps.
According to a representative of 23andMe, there were excellent partners among external developers, but there were many whose projects did not meet scientific standards.
The company promises to publish a new list of criteria in the near future, which will have to meet the projects of developers who want to access genetic data. It is known that they will be provided with anonymous report results, but not the initial data from which a person can be calculated. 23andMe emphasizes that access for qualified scientists will not be restricted, but they will only be able to get information that the clients themselves agree to share.
A representative of 23andMe declined to answer how many applications will stop working due to the new rules. He also didn't mention how many external programs are connected to the database at the moment.
According to experts, the rejection of external applications indicates the maturity of the company. In the past, when 23andMe was a small startup, it could not independently process all incoming information. Today, the company no longer needs outside help.
Refusing to work with external developers is not the only innovation in 23andMe. According to some reports, the company is working on an expensive premium test using a full genome analysis. However, representatives of the company have so far denied that such a service will appear in the near future.
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