23andMe Data Sale, AI Scams, and the Future of Tech

23andMe Acquired by Regeneron

• 🧬 23andMe has been acquired by biotech company Regeneron for $256 million.
• 🔒 Regeneron has pledged to protect the genetic data and adhere to 23andMe's existing data guidelines.
• 🔬 The acquired data will be used in-house by Regeneron for cancer and genetic research to develop new medicines.
• 📉 The acquisition follows a period of declining popularity for DNA testing companies and a significant data breach affecting 6.9 million users.

AI, Scams, and Social Media

• 🤖 Scammers are increasingly using AI-generated deepfakes, such as an Owen Wilson impersonation, to defraud individuals.
• ⚠️ Red flags for scams include requests to move conversations to WhatsApp or Telegram.
• 💸 Meta (Facebook and Instagram) is implicated in profiting from scam ads, with JP Morgan reporting that half of all fraud on Zelle originates from Meta platforms.
• 🗣️ The discussion touches on the