In an alarming turn of events, customers of DNA-testing firm Atlas Biomed have been left in the dark about the fate of their most sensitive personal information. The company, which offered genetic insights and health predisposition reports, has seemingly disappeared without a trace, leaving its clients worried and seeking answers.
Lisa Topping, a customer from Essex, shared her experience: "I paid about £100 for a personalized genetic report. One day, the website just vanished. I've tried contacting them, but there's been no response. It's unsettling not knowing what's happened to my most personal information."
Another customer, Kate Lake from Kent, never even received the report she paid £139 for in 2023. Despite promises of a refund, the company went silent. "It's like no one was at home," Lake said, describing the situation as "very alarming."
The sudden disappearance of Atlas Biomed raises serious concerns about data protection and the vulnerability of consumers who entrust their genetic information to such companies. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has confirmed receiving a complaint about the firm, emphasizing that people have the right to expect responsible handling of their personal data.
Attempts to reach Atlas Biomed have proved futile. Their London office appears abandoned, phone lines are dead, and social media accounts have been dormant for months. The company's last visible activity was a Facebook post in June 2023, which was met with a flood of complaints from customers unable to access their profiles or contact the company.
Adding to the mystery are the company's apparent links to Russia. While still listed as an active company with Companies House in the UK, Atlas Biomed's last filed accounts were in December 2022. Some of its officers are listed at addresses in Moscow, including a Russian billionaire described as a former director.
Cybersecurity expert Prof Alan Woodward finds these Russian connections "odd," suggesting that customers might have been more cautious about sharing their DNA had they known the company's background.
Prof Carissa Veliz, author of "Privacy is Power," emphasizes the unique value and sensitivity of DNA data. "When you give your data to a company, you are completely at their mercy," she warns. "We shouldn't have to wait until something happens."
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with sharing genetic information and the need for stronger safeguards in the rapidly evolving field of personal genomics. As customers of Atlas Biomed continue to seek answers, the broader implications for data privacy and security in the DNA-testing industry remain a pressing concern.