- Sei aims to secure 15M users’ genetic data by shifting 23andMe onto its blockchain.
- Sei Foundation will let users control, protect, and profit from their genomic data.
- The move sets a bold precedent for ethical data ownership in the age of decentralized tech.
The Sei Foundation is preparing to make its most ambitious move yet in decentralised science (DeSci) with a potential acquisition of 23andMe. With over 15 million Americans having shared their genetic data through biotech companies, the Foundation aims to protect this sensitive information by storing it on the Sei blockchain and giving users full control.
According to the Foundation, this is a matter of national security. The potential bankruptcy of 23andMe raises concerns that personal genomic data could be sold or accessed by foreign entities that may not adhere to the same standards of transparency, consent, and data protection.
Blockchain-Powered Data Protection
If the deal is completed, Sei plans to integrate 23andMe into its blockchain, which is known for its high speed and scalability. This will enable the secure and encrypted transfer of genetic data, reducing the risk of misuse. At the same time, it will provide high security and privacy through a decentralized network.
The core idea of the proposal is to return data ownership to individuals. Users will have full control over their genetic information, including the choice to monetize it. Those who choose to do so will receive a share of the revenue generated from their data.
This is not just a technical shift for the Sei Foundation; it is a vision for the future of personal data ownership. The Foundation seeks to disrupt the current model of data monetization, where corporations profit significantly from users’ information without their direct input or fair compensation.
A User-First Data Model
Instead, the Foundation emphasizes the user and integrates the platform into the decentralized blockchain system. Genetic data would not be a commercial feature but rather private property with ownership and discretion kept in the hands of the owners.
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This strategic shift could have long-term implications beyond the biotech industry. It sets a precedent for how sensitive data should be treated in the digital age. Sei is signalling that privacy, ownership, and ethical innovation must go hand in hand.
With 23andMe’s future uncertain, the Sei Foundation’s bid serves as both a safeguard and a statement. It signals that the future of personal genomics must prioritize consent, security, and user empowerment.
