Introduction
Atlas Biomed [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11], a DNA testing company based in the UK, has reportedly vanished [1] [6] [11], raising significant concerns about the security and management of sensitive customer data. This situation has left many customers anxious about their personal information and the company’s accountability.
Description
Atlas Biomed [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11], a UK-based DNA testing company with alleged ties to Russia [2] [5] [11], has reportedly disappeared [1] [6] [10] [11], raising significant concerns about the security of sensitive customer data, including biometrics [1] [6]. The company’s website is inactive [1] [2] [7] [10] [11], and its contact information is no longer functional [11], leaving customers frustrated and worried about unfulfilled orders and the fate of their personalized genetic reports after submitting saliva samples and payments ranging from £100 to £139. This alarming situation has prompted thousands of customers, including Lisa Topping and Kate Lake [7] [9] [10], to lodge complaints with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) regarding the secure handling of their biometric data [10].
Efforts to contact Atlas Biomed have been unsuccessful [9] [10], with reports of failed phone numbers and empty office visits. The firm has not posted on social media since 2022 and has not filed any financial accounts with Companies House since December 2022 [10]. Notably, among its listed officers [11], two have Moscow addresses [5] [11], linking them to a Russian billionaire who was previously a director of the company [11]. This connection raises further questions about the company’s legitimacy and accountability.
Cybersecurity experts [3] [4] [7] [9] [10], including Prof [4]. Alan Woodward and Prof [7] [9] [10]. Carissa Veliz [4] [9] [10], have voiced concerns about the implications of the company’s disappearance, particularly regarding the status of its customer DNA database [1]. While there is currently no evidence to suggest that customer data is being misused, the situation highlights significant security concerns surrounding the handling of sensitive biometric information [2]. DNA is considered highly valuable personal data and is afforded special protection under UK GDPR regulations [3], which mandate secure handling by organizations. Trust in companies managing such sensitive information is crucial [3], and experts emphasize the need for stronger safeguards and accountability to prevent potential issues in the future.
Conclusion
The disappearance of Atlas Biomed underscores the critical importance of robust data protection measures and accountability in the management of sensitive biometric information. Customers are left in a state of uncertainty, highlighting the need for regulatory bodies to enforce stricter compliance with data protection laws. Moving forward, it is imperative for companies handling such valuable personal data to implement stronger safeguards and ensure transparency to maintain customer trust and prevent potential misuse of information.
References
[1] https://www.isss.org.uk/news/uk-based-dna-company-with-russian-link-vanishes-with-highly-sensitive-data/
[2] https://www.breezyscroll.com/world/atlas-biomed-uk-based-dna-testing-firm-with-russian-ties-vanishes-without-trace-with-highly-sensitive-data/
[3] https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz7wl7rpndjo
[4] https://tnsafety.com/dna-data-dilemma-vanishing-company-leaves-customers-genetic-information-in-limbo
[5] https://www.newsminimalist.com/articles/uk-dna-testing-company-atlas-biomed-disappears-leaving-customers-without-access-to-data-b9faad63
[6] https://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/uk-based-dna-company-with-russian-link-vanishes-with-highly-sensitive-data-6984833
[7] https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/dna-company-links-russia-vanishes-34075390
[8] https://www.newsminimalist.com/articles/customers-raise-concerns-as-atlas-biomed-halts-operations-and-leaves-dna-data-unaccounted-for-22600daa
[9] https://esl-news.com/i-sent-my-dna-to-a-tracking-company-heres-what-happened/
[10] https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/uk-dna-company-disappears-leaving-customers-exposed-53705
[11] https://www.dailyexpertnews.com/hot-news/british-based-dna-company-with-russian-link-disappears-with-highly-sensitive-data/
