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this post was submitted on 03 Jan 2024
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They didn't get genetic raw data of anyone beyond the 14K, they got family relationship information. Which is an option you can turn on or off, if you want. It's very clear that you're exposing yourself to other people if you choose to see who you're related to. It doesn't expose raw data and it doesn't instantly expose names, just how they're related to you. (And most of the "relations" are 3rd to 5th cousins, aka strangers.)
Hackers used the genetic ancestry data of the 14K hacked users and their "relatives" connections to deduce large families of Ashkenazi Jews.
Given the sensitivity of the data in both cases they should have had mandatory 2fa set up. However, the other person is right, there's probably a ton of tech illiterate people using this and they likely saw better security as barriers to entry and making less money.
some people just aren't that worried about sharing their dna info. Hell, I'd venture I'd give a actual sample to a good % of the population if they asked me in a sexy way.