The recent vanishing act of DNA-testing firm Atlas Biomed has left customers in a state of uncertainty and concern. Without prior notice, the company ceased operations, leaving users unable to access their personal genetic reports or any information regarding the sensitive data they had shared. As the situation unfolds, customers are demanding answers about their most private information.
Many former clients describe their experiences with Atlas Biomed as alarming. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has confirmed it received a formal complaint regarding the company’s handling of personal data.
The ICO emphasized that individuals have a right to expect organizations to manage their personal information securely and responsibly.
Lisa Topping, a customer from Essex, recounted her experience after sending a saliva sample for genetic analysis. She paid approximately £100 for a report detailing her DNA profile and predisposition to certain health issues. After accessing her report online for years, she found the website suddenly gone, with no response to her inquiries.
Another customer, Kate Lake from Kent, shared her frustration after paying £139 for a promised report that was never delivered. Despite assurances of a refund, all communications ceased.
Lake expressed anxiety over the fate of her data and voiced the need for transparency from the company.
Despite being registered as an active company with Companies House, Atlas Biomed has not submitted any financial accounts since December 2022. Its last social media activity was in June 2023, suggesting an unsettling silence surrounding its operations.
Inquiries at its London office revealed no presence of the firm, although a company registration service confirmed that Atlas Biomed was indeed their client. However, they declined to facilitate communication with the firm citing “security purposes.”
Cybersecurity expert Prof Alan Woodward remarked on the strange associations between Atlas Biomed and Russia. He noted that potential customers might reconsider sharing their DNA if they were aware of such connections.
Prof Carissa Veliz highlighted the significance of DNA as personal data that is irreplaceable and reveals deep insights about an individual and their family.
As this situation develops, many are left wondering about the security of their genetic data and what recourse they have after trusting a company that has seemingly vanished into thin air. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the trust inherent in sharing biometric information and calls for more robust protections in this rapidly evolving field.
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