Genetic-Test Firm Accused of Exposing User Data in FTC First (1)

The Federal Trade Commission brought a first-of-its-kind enforcement action against genetic testing firm 1health.io for leaving sensitive data unsecured and misleading consumers about the privacy of their information.

1health must strengthen protections for genetic information as part of a proposed settlement with the commission, announced Friday alongside a related administrative complaint. It’s the first FTC action focused on both the privacy and security of genetic information, according to the agency.

The California-based company, previously known as Vitagene Inc., sold DNA test kits and used the results, combined with other information from consumers, to provide reports about their health, wellness, ...