Most Americans are worried about how companies collect and use their data, and recent events like the 23andMe breach and bankruptcy have intensified fears about privacy, consent, and who ultimately controls sensitive information such as genetic profiles. Growing unease over AI systems, which can absorb personal details about people who never directly interact with them, is adding to the push for stronger rules and more transparency. Some founders warn that valuable genetic or behavioral data could be exploited by marketers, insurers, or tech firms in ways consumers never expected, even as a few startups try to flip the model by paying people to share their data voluntarily. Despite rising interest in personal data sovereignty, many individuals still feel powerless, but moments of public backlash have shown they can influence corporate behavior, and advocates argue that continued pressure is essential to prevent misuse and ensure people keep control over their information.
