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Texas AG announces $150 million settlement against 23andMe over data breach
By Gabrielle Lopez at KVIA ABC-7
· July 15, 2026
· 2 min read
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Wednesday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a $150 million settlement of bankruptcy claims against 23andMe. He said the settlement will help resolve issues from a 2023 data breach that compromised 6.9 million customers' genetic data.
23andMe offers DNA testi...
Key takeaway In October 2023, 23andMe announced it discovered a data breach that exposed data including genetic ancestry information, according to a news release Paxton's office sent.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The settlement against 23andMe has significant implications for El Paso residents who have used the company's DNA testing services. With nearly 7 million customers affected by the data breach, it's likely that many locals have had their genetic information compromised. The fact that 23andMe initially denied the breach and later blamed consumers for the vulnerability is particularly concerning. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's efforts to hold the company accountable and secure stronger protections for consumers' genetic information are a welcome development. The settlement's requirements, including enhanced security standards and an independent advisory board, will help ensure that companies like 23andMe prioritize data security and respect consumers' privacy. As El Pasoans increasingly rely on online services, including those related to health and wellness, this settlement serves as a reminder that local residents must remain vigilant about protecting their personal information.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 15, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Wednesday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a $150 million settlement of bankruptcy claims against 23andMe. He said the settlement will help resolve issues from a 2023 data breach that compromised 6.9 million customers' genetic data.
23andMe offers DNA testi...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 15, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Gabrielle Lopez at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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