Consumer warning: is your DNA data at risk? 23andMe on the brink of bankruptcy

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829   

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) is issuing an urgent warning to consumers regarding the recent bankruptcy filing by 23andMe, the popular genetic information company. While 23andMe claims that consumer data will be protected during the bankruptcy process, there are significant concerns about the future of your personal genetic data and health information.     

“It remains uncertain whether consumer protections and agreements will be upheld within the context of the bankruptcy proceedings,” said NCL VP of Public Policy Telecommunications and Fraud John Breyault. “Additionally, there is concern that DNA samples may be classified as assets, raising questions about who may ultimately gain access to sensitive and private health information.    

23andMe’s privacy statement reads: “If we are involved in a bankruptcy, merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets, your Personal Information may be accessed, sold or transferred as part of that transaction.” The bottom line is that all consumers have the right to delete their genetic information from 23andMe, and it is crucial to do so before any potential changes in ownership or privacy policies occur.  NCL urges consumers to take action to protect their data 

The California Attorney General has issued a consumer alert urging individuals to exercise their rights under state privacy laws, including the right to delete their data and request the destruction of any biological samples held by the company. Even mainstream media outlets like The Washington Post are urging consumers to exercise their rights, publishing a story this morning entitled “Delete your DNA from 23andMe right now.”   

 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)     

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.  

Trump administration’s decision to freeze electric vehicle infrastructure program: Consumers will pay the price 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829

Washington, DC — The National Consumers League (NCL) is alarmed by the Trump administration’s recent decision to freeze a vital program designed to expand electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and support clean energy initiatives across the country. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, created under the Biden administration, allocates nearly $5 billion to assist states in developing a national network of 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations along designated alternative fuel corridors.

“As of March 2024, there are nearly six million battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids on the road, and that number is growing daily,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “NCL believes this decision was a misstep that will ultimately cost consumers, as expanding charging infrastructure is essential to advancing clean transportation and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.”

This program was intended to bolster EV infrastructure improvements, primarily through the installation of new chargers. However, the Trump administration’s decision to freeze $3 billion in funding for EV charging stations is a significant setback for consumers.

Virginia has a total of 56,000 EVs, and the state is already beginning to feel the effects of this decision. 51 of its 53 planned electric vehicle charging stations are now on hold after the Trump administration rescinded funding. Attorneys at the Southern Environmental Law Center have called the freeze legally questionable.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)    

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL applauds West Virginia lawmakers for food dye/additives ban bill 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications 202-207-2829

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) applauds West Virginia lawmakers for the passage of House Bill 2354. This bipartisan legislation amends the State Code regarding adulterated food and drugs, banning harmful food additives and dyes in processed food products sold in the state. Among the banned substances are Red Dye No. 3, Yellow Dye No. 5, Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), Propylparaben, Red Dye No. 40, Yellow Dye No. 6, Blue Dye No. 1, Blue Dye No. 2, and Green Dye No. 3 – all deemed unsafe for consumption.

The bill passed the House on February 28 with a 93-5 vote and was introduced to the Senate. Last week, the Senate amended the bill, and now it must return to the House for a vote to concur with the changes. If the House passes the amended legislation it will go to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. If enacted, the legislation would ban food products containing the colors in school nutrition programs beginning on Aug. 1, 2025, and then extend to all food sold statewide on Jan. 1, 2028.

“West Virginia is leading the way in protecting public health by banning dangerous dyes and additives from its food supply,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “It’s well known that these synthetic dyes and additives pose serious health risks, and the Mountain State is showing others how to take bold action to safeguard their residents.”

In December, NCL also urged the FDA to issue a federal ban on Red No. 3, a petroleum-based colorant known to cause cancer in laboratory animals. The FDA issued the order to revoke authorization for the use of FD&C Red No. 3 on January 15, 2025. Manufacturers who use the dye in food and drugs will have until January 15, 2027 (food and supplements) or January 18, 2028 (ingested medications), to reformulate their products.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL condemns illegal firings of FTC commissioners 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829

March 18, 2025: Washington, DC — Today, President Trump unlawfully terminated Commissioners Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Slaughter from their positions at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Commissioner Slaughter was terminated more than five years before her term would expire; Commissioner Bedoya was terminated more than two years before his term would expire.

The Commission conducts important work to protect Americans from a range of harms, including elder fraud, children’s privacy violations, and deceptive advertising. Today’s egregious violation of the consumer protection agency’s independence jeopardizes its bipartisan mission to protect everyday Americans from marketplace harms, even those perpetrated by politically-connected individuals.

“Consumer protection work is not a partisan game,” said NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud John Breyault. “With consumers losing more than $150 billion to fraud each year, we need consistent and reliable watchdogs at our law enforcement agencies. The firing of dedicated public servants because they belong to the wrong political party will make the FTC’s work even harder. NCL unequivocally condemns these firings.”

Despite its hamstrung resources, the Commission does irreplaceable work to defend Americans from bad actors like scammers and monopolists. The agency returned $324 million in refunds to Americans in 2023. Every $1 of the FTC’s costs return an estimated $14 in benefits to consumers through its consumer protection and competition law enforcement efforts.

By illegally subjecting commissioners to White House control, President Trump has sent a message that common-sense consumer protection work should not continue unless it serves his political goals. Congress established independent agencies like the FTC, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Federal Elections Commission to ensure that federal oversight of critical issues is insulated from electoral, partisan, and personal games.

The Supreme Court has already ruled that a president cannot fire FTC commissioners simply for political purposes. The Supreme Court upheld this precedent as recently as 2020.

Further reading:

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

New legislation to protect fraud victims from tax penalties 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829
Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) is appreciative of Representative Haley Stevens’s (D-MI) proposed legislation designed to protect fraud victims from being unfairly taxed when they are forced to tap into their 401(k)s early due to fraudulent schemes. Fraud prevention and consumer protection are central to NCL’s mission, and we strongly support this critical step in ensuring that fraud victims are not penalized further.
“Fraud victims are harmed enough when criminals steal their life savings,” said John Breyault, NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud. “The last thing victims should worry about after being scammed is a bill from the IRS. NCL is thankful for Representative Stevens’ efforts to reduce the burdens fraud victims face after a crime has occurred.”
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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL mourns the passing of Rep. Raúl Grijalva

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829     

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) mourns the passing of Rep. Raúl Grijalva, who died on March 13 from complications of cancer. Grijalva, 77, a 12-term legislator in the U. S. House of Representatives, represented Arizona as a Democrat. He was born in Tucson in 1948. 

NCL celebrates his long congressional career and his championing of child labor protections, including two vitally needed child labor bills that NCL and the Child Labor Coalition (CLC)—which NCL founded and chairs—helped draft and nurture for several congressional sessions. 

“Grijalva’s father came to the U.S. in the bracero-guest-worker program,” noted Reid Maki, NCL’s Director of Child Labor Advocacy. “Raúl never forgot his farmworker roots, and we could always count on his staunch support for legislation to protect vulnerable child farmworkers in the U.S. from the dangers of exploitative child labor.” 

Grijalva was a co-sponsor of the Children’s Act for Responsible Employment and Farm Safety, legislation to raise the minimum age for working on farms from the current 12 to 14. The bill would also raise the minimum age of hazardous work on farms from 16 to 18—all other sectors require workers to be 18 to conduct work identified as hazardous. Grijalva also co–sponsored the Children Don’t Belong on Tobacco Farms Act, legislation to ban teens from hazardous child labor in U.S. tobacco fields, where teen workers become ill from nicotine exposure. 

“Rep. Grijalva worked diligently to protect immigrant rights, unions, tribal rights, and environmental protections,” said Sally Greenberg, NCL CEO. “He was an impassioned voice for the underrepresented. His passing saddens us.”

Grijalva served on the House Education and Labor Committee and the Natural Resources Committee. He was a long-standing member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. 

 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)    

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org. 

NCL joins 300+ organizations to oppose the dismantling of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau   

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829     

Washington, DC – Next week, the National Consumers League (NCL) will join hundreds of consumer advocates and constituents from 45 states to urge lawmakers to support a strong and independent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Since its creation in 2011, the CFPB has recovered more than $21 billion for consumers who have been harmed by corporate greed and fraud. Cutting the CFPB would leave millions of hard-working Americans vulnerable to scams and other illegal conduct. 

Prior to the meetings, NCL also signed on to a letter urging Congress to restore a strong and independent CFPB and vote against any legislative attacks on the agency. During the meetings, known as Consumer Advocacy Week, constituents and consumer advocates will request legislators to oppose active efforts to undo key consumer protections, such as capping most bank overdraft fees at $5, removing medical debt from credit reports, and ensuring payment apps comply with the law.  

“The CFPB has been a lifeline for millions of consumers nationwide. In just a few years, the agency has punched far above its weight, returning billions of dollars to individuals harmed by the illegal conduct of banks, student loan servicers, and other bad actors,” said Eden Iscil, NCL Senior Public Policy Manager. “This coalition has brought hundreds of advocates from across the country to tell Congress to step up and protect the CFPB.”  

As the watchdog for consumers everywhere, the CFPB holds financial institutions accountable when they defraud and cheat people, and the agency has returned more than $21 billion to over 200 million people in the form of restitution or canceled debts. The CFPB has fiercely protected everyday Americans and their families against frauds, rip-offs, and market failures, and now it is our time to safeguard its existence.    

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)    

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org. 

NCL urges lawmakers to protect oversight of payment apps  

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 Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829  

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) is calling on lawmakers to vote in favor of maintaining the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) larger participants rule, which establishes much-needed oversight of companies that offer services like digital wallets and payment apps—such as Zelle and Apple Pay—and ensures they are properly regulated. The rule protects consumers, making sure that all forms of payment, whether provided by traditional banks or nonbank companies, are secure and trustworthy.   

“Fraud continues to be a major financial burden on consumers, stealing an estimated $158 billion annually from American families,” said John Breyault, NCL’s Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud. “Unfortunately, Congress is considering weakening protections for digital wallets and payment apps—platforms that are often used to perpetrate fraud. While the current Administration talks about reducing fraud, its actions are instead shifting the financial burden onto hard-working Americans.”   

As more Americans use digital payment apps and wallets, complaints about fraud and unauthorized charges have skyrocketed. The CFPB’s rule will help strengthen consumer protections and ensure that these financial products adhere to privacy laws, ultimately safeguarding the public from emerging threats in the digital payment space.   

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)    

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org. 

NCL statement on Steven Bradbury committee vote

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829 

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. Senate Commerce committee approved Steven Bradbury for Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, sending his nomination to the Senate floor. The National Consumers League (NCL) is urging Bradbury to commit to using the position to support critical safety and consumer protection initiatives at DOT.     

To date, President Trump’s DOT appointees have refused to commit to basic consumer protections, like allowing families to be seated together while flying or following federal law and updating decades-outdated airplane evacuation standards. Senators should not vote to confirm Bradbury as Deputy Secretary until he pledges to protect the numerous consumer protection advancements made in the past few years.  

The following statement is attributable to John Breyault, NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud:  

“Steven Bradbury is seeking to rejoin DOT at a time of deep concern among the traveling public. Multiple crashes and close calls are making airline passengers fearful for their safety at a time when DOGE is cutting FAA safety staff. Automobile fatalities and injuries remain at unacceptably high levels, yet many vital safety technologies are not mandated equipment, and the nation still lacks a framework for the safe deployment of autonomous vehicles. Consumers will not regain confidence in our travel infrastructure if Mr. Bradbury uses his new position to implement the Project 2025 plan to roll back important advancements that the Biden Administration achieved in EV charging, fuel economy standards, family seating, data privacy, and airline consumer protection. NCL will defend these critical safeguards with all the tools at our disposal.” 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)  

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.  

NCL supports new legislation to combat crypto ATM fraud  

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829     

Washington, DC – The National Consumer League (NCL) expresses strong support for the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act introduced by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). This critical legislation aims to protect consumers from rising scams involving cryptocurrency ATMs. The minimal regulation of these machines, combined with the anonymity and irreversibility of cryptocurrency transactions, makes crypto ATMs a preferred tool for scammers.   

  “This legislation is a vital step in protecting everyday consumers from the growing threat of crypto ATM fraud,” said John Breyault, NCL VP of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud. “The Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act will provide necessary safeguards to stop scammers from exploiting cryptocurrency ATMs to steal hard-earned savings. We applaud Senator Durbin’s leadership in addressing this urgent issue.”   

  NCL’s Top Ten Scams report for 2024 found staggering losses from cryptocurrency scams. The median loss reported to NCL’s Fraud.org reached a new peak of $30,000 for the complaint category, including crypto fraud. Additionally, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans lost $66 million to crypto ATM fraud in the first half of 2024. The bill would require crypto ATM operators to inform consumers about scams, implement safeguards to prevent fraud and give law enforcement new tools to investigate and stop these crimes.     

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.