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Incentive programs meant to catalyze the adoption of greener, cleaner, low carbon technologies, such as we’ve seen with solar and EVs, and most recently e-bikes, can be effective if done right, but when a cookie-cutter one-size-fits-all approach is used, they can end up being not very cost-effective or efficient in moving the needle toward the desired outcome. A recent study analyzing the “consumer purchase response” to existing e-bike incentive programs suggests that these programs could be more equitable, cost-effective, and efficient if they begin with the end in mind. In essence, starting out with clear and well-defined goals for incentive programs is necessary for designing, funding, and implementing them with maximum effectiveness. The study, “ Consumer purchase response to e-bike incentives: Results from a nationwide stated preference study , ” was published in the journal ScienceDirect this past April, with the authors stating in its Abstract that it is “among the first to experimentally analyze prospective purchase behavior of e-bike consumers to assess price sensitivity, behavioral response to incentives, and consumer value of e-bike attributes.” “Purchase incentives offset the price of an e-bike for consumers, with the goal of increasing e-bike adoption and ownership. While programs initially offered incentives of $300 or less, amounts have progressively increased over time. The 2023 legislative cycle has seen a notable expansion in state- and province-level purchase assistance programs, as well as the re-introduction of a proposed federal tax credit known as the “E-BIKE” Act. Despite the growing funding allocated to e-bike purchase incentives, there is little evidence as to their cost-effectiveness or optimal design.” Some of the results of the study are pretty straightforward, and perhaps no-brainers: Point-of-purchase discounts are more cost-effective than rebates or tax credits for stimulating additional e-bike adoption Cost-effective e-bike incentives require equivalent amounts provided across standard and cargo e-bike types, and require the largest incentives be provided to those in the 200–300% FPL (Federal Poverty Level) income range However, one finding that really stood out was this (emphasis added): “[W]e find that even when e-bike incentive programs are designed cost-effectively, the costs per ton of CO2 reduced still far exceed those of alternatives or reasonable social costs of GHG emissions . We conclude that the argument for allocating public funds for e-bike incentive programs must be based on the co-benefits of e-bike travel and ownership, and not solely on GHG reduction. If you don’t have time (or access) to read the full text, an article published on GovTech about the study offers a great summary and some additional insights direct from the authors. For example, “it takes about $4,000 worth of incentives to induce that extra e-bike purchase,” which far exceeds the benefits gained by displacing carbon emissions due to the adoption of that e-bike. As we are likely to see a lot of political pushback on any and all government incentive programs for cleaner transport and energy in the US in coming years, using the findings of this study — and others like it that may follow — could be a key element in designing and funding effective programs in the near future. CleanTechnica's Comment Policy LinkedIn WhatsApp Facebook Bluesky Email RedditThe latest development came hours after thousands of his supporters, defying government warnings, broke through a barrier of shipping containers blocking off Islamabad and entered a high-security zone, where they clashed with security forces, facing tear gas shelling, mass detentions and gunfire. Tension has been high in Islamabad since Sunday when supporters of the former PM began a “long march” from the restive north-west to demand his release. Khan has been in a prison for more than a year and faces more than 150 criminal cases that his party says are politically motivated. Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, led the protest, but she fled as police pushed back against demonstrators. Hundreds of Khan’s supporters are being arrested in the ongoing night-time operation. Interior minister Mohsin Naqvi told reporters that the Red Zone, which houses government buildings and embassies, and the surrounding areas have been cleared. Leaders from Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, have also fled the protest site. Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan’s army took control of D-Chowk, a large square in the Red Zone, where visiting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is staying. Since Monday, Mr Naqvi had threatened that security forces would use live fire if protesters fired weapons at them. “We have now authorised the police to respond as necessary,” Mr Naqvi said Tuesday while visiting the square. Before the operation began, protester Shahzor Ali said people had taken to the streets because Khan had called for them. “We will stay here until Khan joins us. He will decide what to do next,” Mr Ali said. Protester Fareeda Bibi, who is not related to Khan’s wife, said people have suffered greatly for the last two years. “We have really suffered for the last two years, whether it is economically, politically or socially. We have been ruined. I have not seen such a Pakistan in my life,” she said. Authorities have struggled to contain the protest-related violence. Six people, including four members of the security services, were killed when a vehicle rammed them on a street overnight into Tuesday. A police officer died in a separate incident. Dozens of Khan supporters beat a videographer covering the protest for the Associated Press and took his camera. He sustained head injuries and was treated in hospital. By Tuesday afternoon, fresh waves of protesters made their way unopposed to their final destination in the Red Zone. Mr Naqvi said Khan’s party had rejected a government offer to rally on the outskirts of the city. Information minister Atta Tarar warned there would be a severe government reaction to the violence. The government says only the courts can order Khan’s release. He was ousted in 2022 through a no-confidence vote in Parliament. In a bid to foil the unrest, police have arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters since Friday and suspended mobile and internet services in some parts of the country. Messaging platforms were also experiencing severe disruption in the capital. Khan’s party relies heavily on social media and uses messaging platforms such as WhatsApp to share information, including details of events. The X platform, which is banned in Pakistan, is no longer accessible, even with a VPN. Last Thursday, a court prohibited rallies in the capital and Mr Naqvi said anyone violating the ban would be arrested. Travel between Islamabad and other cities has become nearly impossible because of shipping containers blocking the roads. All education institutions remain closed.
‘I can’t pay my bills’: Rudy Giuliani loses his cool, lashes out in court
In the history of American politics, there's no shortage of presidents who promised to shake up Washington once they got to the White House. But Donald Trump may prove to be in a class of his own, and he appears more interested in beating the federal government into submission than recalibrating it. In staffing his administration, Trump has shown an inclination to select people who distrust or even disdain the agencies that they've been chosen to lead, setting up a potential war of attrition between the incoming Republican president and American institutions. “There’s been nothing like what Trump is suggesting to do," said Doug Brinkley, a presidential historian. "We’re talking about dismantling the federal government.” Trump's approach will become even clearer this week as Kash Patel, his choice for FBI director, heads to Capitol Hill for an initial round of meetings with senators who will decide whether to confirm him to the post. A former national security official who has branded himself as an eager acolyte of Trump, Patel has talked about shutting down the agency's headquarters, splitting up its responsibilities and targeting Trump's perceived enemies. Greg Brower, a former U.S. attorney who served as the FBI’s top congressional affairs official, said Trump seems to want to make the nation’s law enforcement institutions “part of his political operation run out of the White House.” “That’s a major course change that I’m just not sure a majority of senators are willing to endorse," Brower said. Republican senators are already considering whether to support Pete Hegseth, whom Trump wants to lead the Pentagon, despite allegations of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking and financial mismanagement. Hegseth is an Army veteran and former Fox News commentator who has described the military as flooded with “woke” liberal ideology. He also wants to remove women from combat roles. Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump’s transition team and the incoming White House press secretary, said the next administration wants to “shatter the Deep State," a term for entrenched civil servants who have frustrated Trump and his allies. “President Trump was re-elected by a resounding mandate from the American people to change the status quo in Washington,” she said in a statement. “That’s why he has chosen brilliant and highly-respected outsiders to serve in his Administration, and he will continue to stand behind them as they fight against all those who seek to derail the MAGA Agenda.” Margaret Spelling, who served as education secretary under President George W. Bush, said it is “probably not a good management style" to treat government employees as adversaries. “If you’re going to turn the tide or redirect the ship of state, you’ve got to have help doing it," she said. "And that’s people who work there already.” Spelling's former department could be outright eliminated if Trump has his way. His choice of education secretary, Linda McMahon, has never worked in the field. She served for one year on the Connecticut Board of Education and is a member of the board of trustees at a private university. McMahon lead the Small Business Administration during Trump's first term, and she made a name for herself by running World Wrestling Entertainment, a cultural juggernaut that features musclebound men beating each other up in elaborately scripted fights. Trump's plans for the federal government blend conservative ideology, which has long viewed Washington as too intrusive in Americans' daily lives, with his personal vendettas. After being plagued by investigations and contradicted by career officials during his first term, the returning president has no interest in a replay and he's more skeptical of insider views that clash with his own instincts. Some of his personnel choices have alarmed political opponents, but Trump's approach could prove appealing to voters whose faith in government has sunk to record lows in recent years. Only about 2 in 10 Americans trust the government to do the right thing always or most of the time, according to the Pew Research Center, down from around 4 in 10 who said this in 2000 — before the upheaval of a global financial crisis, an inconclusive war on terrorism and a worldwide pandemic. Kay Schlozman, a Boston College political science professor, said Trump's nominees could be viewed as "an extension of his capacity to question the received wisdom and question the supposed elites who always run everything.” Some of the largest gaps between expertise and personnel have been evident in public health. Trump chose Robert F. Kennedy Jr to lead the Department of Health and Human Services despite his reputation as one of the most prolific spreaders of unfounded theories about the supposed danger of vaccines. Trump also picked Dr Jay Bhattacharya, a critic of public health measures like lockdowns and vaccine mandates that were used during the coronavirus outbreak, to run the National Institutes of Health, the country's top medical research agency. In other areas of government, loyalty has often been prized over expertise. Lee Zeldin, a former New York congressman, never served on any committees dealing with the environment during nearly a decade on Capitol Hill. Now he’s on deck to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Brinkley said it's not uncommon to have presidents attempt to change how Washington works. Richard Nixon tried to circumvent government agencies by centralizing decision-making in the White House, and Warren Harding stocked his Cabinet with business leaders. But Brinkley said Trump's approach is more venomous, and he seems to be setting up his staff to compete to be the most zealous. “It’s got a gladiator feel," he said. "They each want to show that they’ve got a scalp to punish the so-called deep state, the legacy media or the Democratic Party.” Another way that Trump is taking on Washington is the Department of Government Efficiency, an independent advisory organization that will be run by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Musk, the world's richest man, and Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur, plan to provide ideas on dramatically reducing federal spending and cutting the government workforce. They also said Trump should sidestep Congress whenever possible, setting up a potential constitutional clash. Theda Skocpol, a Harvard University professor of government and sociology, agreed that Americans are often doubtful about Washington's effectiveness. “But it doesn’t mean there’s going to be an easy path to eliminating entire departments or functions of government because people will realize they have the stakes in those things,” she said. However, Skocpol said, chaos might be the actual goal. “Parts of American conservatism have been trying to make government a mess when they control it, and then use it as an argument for less government," she said. Associated Press writer Eric Tucker contributed to this report.A first innings tie as Heenatigala scores back-to-back half centuries
Google forges ahead with its next generation of AI technology while fending off a breakup threatStojakovic, Wilkinson lead short-handed Cal past Sacramento State, 83-77 in Cal ClassicNine Energy Service CFO sells $59,155 in stock
NimbleTech CastGo Wireless HDMI Now Supports 4 Displays 11-27-2024 07:42 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire Compact Device Offers 4K Screen Mirroring and Extension for All Modern Display Standards New Taipei City, Taiwan - November 27, 2024 - NimbleTech is pleased to announce that the CastGo Wireless HDMI Extender and Receiver now supports wireless screen sharing to four external displays. This feature is available to existing CastGo customers. Users can easily share the screen from their laptop, PC, tablet or other device. Their screen can be shared to external monitors, TVs, projectors and more, with 1-to-4 multicasting via the CastGo HDMI/Type C transmitter, or to a single screen via the standard AirPlay, Chromecast, and Miracast wireless capability in modern displays. As well as multicasting, CastGo supports desktop mirroring onto multiple screens to provide more screen workspace area. With two CastGo transmitters, or native display protocols, the two-way split screen feature can display the output of two different devices on one external screen. CastGo is pocket-sized and needs no long cables. It is ideal for presentations, education, advertising, entertainment, and any situation in which users show content from a single device to a wider audience. Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/uploads/8120b6e510738a8d61db59f56fe2f4bc.jpg One-To-Four Multicasting CastGo's new one-to-four multicasting function lets one transmitter connect with up to four receiving displays. This enables easy wireless multicasting to multiple screens, projectors, or video walls. It's perfect for lectures and presentations in conference rooms, auditoriums, and churches, and for digital signage. The new one-to-four multicasting capability is available to current CastGo users via a simple firmware upgrade. Excellent Display Quality Over Wide Area CastGo delivers ultra-fast, stable high-quality video at resolutions up to 4K@30hz, at ranges up to 165 feet (50 metres). This long range makes it ideal for large auditoriums and similar spaces. The exceptionally low latency of just 0.1 seconds provides smooth, synchronized viewing. Setup Is Fast and Hassle-Free The CastGo system, including transmitter, receiver, and adapter, is pocket-sized and weighs less than a mobile phone, even if all components are required. This ensures CastGo can be carried anywhere and is always ready for use. Users enjoy hassle-free plug and play setup, without any additional apps. CastGo is controlled with intuitive buttons - ensuring responsive control and protecting privacy during presentations. Wide Device Support CastGo's own receiver uses high-speed 5GHz WiFi to ensure excellent display quality. The CastGo transmitter can also broadcast to any single device, such as a TV or projector, that supports the popular AirPlay, Chromecast and Miracast standards. A compact USB-C to HDMI converter is included, so CastGo can display the output from devices with either an HDMI or a USB-C video output socket. CastGo's transmitter and receiver are USB-C powered, when required. Split Screen Dual Display With two CastGo transmitters, or native display protocols, users can take advantage of a two-way split screen feature. The output of two different devices can be displayed on one screen. This boosts productivity when working on multiple projects. Pricing and Where to Buy The CastGo is now available for an MSRP of $169 at: https://www.amazon.com/CastGo-Wireless-Extender-Chromecast-Transmitter/dp/B0D9NVQD9J Find out more about CastGo at: https://www.nimbletech.com.tw/index.php/easypro16/ About NimbleTech NimbleTech Digital Inc. is a leading manufacturer in the Audio/Visual (A/V) industry, specializing in innovative wireless display solutions. The company is revolutionizing how content is shared, presentations are delivered, and collaborations are facilitated. NimbleTech is dedicated to driving progress in the A/V industry through excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The company's focus is on integrating wireless techniques, Pro AV capabilities, AI technology, camera integration, and mobile app advancement. NimbleTech is committed to shaping the future of A/V technology, one innovative solution at a time. Find out more at https://www.nimbletech.com.tw [ https://www.nimbletech.com.tw/ ]. Media Contact Company Name: GlobalPR Agency Contact Person: Kayla Lee Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=nimbletech-castgo-wireless-hdmi-now-supports-4-displays ] Phone: +886-2-2882-5577 City: Taipei City Country: Taiwan Website: https://www.globalpr.agency/ This release was published on openPR.
Authorities in Pakistan launch operation to clear Khan supporters from capital
Trump's tariffs in his first term did little to alter the economy, but this time could be different WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump loved to use tariffs during his first presidency. But their impact was barely noticeable in the overall economy, even if their aftershocks were clear in specific industries. The data show they never fully delivered on his promised factory jobs. Nor did they provoke the avalanche of inflation that critics feared. This time, though, his tariff threats might be different. The president-elect is talking about going much bigger — on a potential scale that creates more uncertainty about whether he’ll do what he says and what the consequences could be. His proposed tariffs against Canada and Mexico could blow up an existing trade deal. US consumer price increases accelerated last month with inflation pressures resilient WASHINGTON (AP) — Consumer price increases accelerated last month, the latest sign that inflation’s steady decline over the past two years has stalled. According to the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, consumer prices rose 2.3% in October from a year earlier, the Commerce Department said Wednesday. That is up from just 2.1% in September, though it is still only modestly above the Fed’s 2% target. Trump fills out his economic team with two veterans of his first administration WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. Trump on Tuesday announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the public’s confidence in the economy. US economy grows at 2.8% pace in third quarter on consumer spending, unchanged from first estimate WASHINGTON (AP) — The American economy expanded at a healthy 2.8% annual pace from July through September on strong consumer spending and a surge in exports, the government said Wednesday, leaving unchanged its initial estimate of third-quarter growth. The Commerce Department reported that growth in U.S. gross domestic product — the economy’s output of goods and services — slowed from the April-July rate of 3%. But the GDP report still showed that the American economy — the world’s largest — is proving surprisingly durable. Growth has topped 2% for eight of the last nine quarters. Trump’s latest tariff plan aims at multiple countries. What does it mean for the US? WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has identified what he sees as an all-purpose fix for what ails America: Slap huge new tariffs on foreign goods entering the United States. On Monday, Trump sent shockwaves across the nation’s northern and southern borders, vowing sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, as well as China, as part of his effort to crack down on illegal immigration and drugs. Trump said he will impose a 25% tax on all products entering the country from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10% tariff on goods from China, as one of his first executive orders. The UK will consult on sales targets for automakers during the transition to electric vehicles LONDON (AP) — Britain’s new Labour government will launch a consultation on sales targets set for auto manufacturers during the transition to electric vehicles. That's in the wake of the decision by Stellantis, the owner of Vauxhall, to close its van factory in southern England at the potential cost of 1,100 jobs. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told lawmakers Wednesday that the problems encountered by Stellantis in the transition to electric vehicles are not unique, adding that the government will do all it can to prevent the closure of the plant. Stellantis blamed its decision on the U.K.’s “stringent” zero-emission vehicle mandate that sets strict targets for manufacturers. After fast start, electric cars need a recharge as range limits, cost leave some drivers skeptical DETROIT (AP) — While sales of electric vehicles surge in China, the spread of more environmentally friendly vehicles is stumbling in the United States and Europe as carmakers and governments struggle to meet years-old promises about affordability and charging stations. And consumers worried more about price and practicality are holding back where first-adopter climate warriors once piled in. Range, charging infrastructure and higher prices are sore points among both electric car enthusiasts and skeptics in Europe and the U.S. China is the exception. Driven by government subsidies and mandates, vehicles with electric motors, including plug-in hybrids that combine electric and fossil fuel motors, topped 50% of sales in July. Stock market today: Wall Street wavers as Big Tech stocks fall NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks wavered on Wall Street as losses for Big Tech companies offset gains elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 was down 0.5% in afternoon trading on Wednesday, even though more stocks were rising than falling within the index. Losses for Nvidia and Microsoft helped pull the index lower. Dell sank after reporting revenue that fell shy of forecasts, and HP fell after giving a weaker-than-expected outlook. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.2% from its record high a day earlier. The Nasdaq composite fell 1.1%. U.S. markets will be closed Thursday for Thanksgiving. Average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the US slips to 6.81% The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. eased this week, though it remains near 7% after mostly rising in recent weeks. The rate slipped to 6.81% from 6.84% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Wednesday. That’s still down from a year ago, when the rate averaged 7.22%. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage has been mostly rising since sliding to a two-year low of 6.08% in late September. Elevated mortgage rates and rising home prices have kept homeownership out of reach of many would-be homebuyers. U.S. home sales are on track for their worst year since 1995. Landmark fish and meat markets in London to close, ending 1,000 years of tradition LONDON (AP) — Two of London’s most famous markets — one selling fish, the other meat — are set to close in the coming years, bringing an end to traditions stretching back to medieval times. On Wednesday, The City of London Corporation, the governing body in the capital city’s historic hub, is set to present a bill to Parliament to bring an end to its responsibilities to operate the Billingsgate fish market and the Smithfield meat market, both of which have existed in some shape or form since the 11th century. That comes a day after the corporation decided not to relocate the markets to a new development just east of London in Dagenham.
23andMe, a major company providing direct-to-consumer genetic testing, has been struggling financially since late 2023. In September 2024, the company’s stock hit a rock-bottom of US$0.30 , down 96 per cent from its peak share price of US$17.65 in 2021 . Since its founding in 2006, 23andMe has sold more than 12 million testing kits globally and attracted high-profile customers, including Snoop Dogg, Oprah Winfrey and Warren Buffett. While some companies like Ancestry and myHeritage just focus on tracing the ancestry and ethnicity of their customers, 23andMe also provides health-related testing and reports. In September 2024, seven of the company’s eight board members resigned , stating it was “clear that we differ on the strategic direction for the company going forward,” leaving CEO Anne Wojcicki its sole board member. Two months later, in November, 23andMe announced plans to cut 40 per cent of its workforce — approximately 200 jobs — and discontinue its therapeutics division to stay afloat . These developments raise questions about how 23andMe’s future might affect customers’ genetic information, raising age-old concerns about the need for stricter privacy laws and regulations over the use and commercialization of genetic information. Issues and controversies 23andMe’s current troubles may have been caused by various issues and controversies over its 18-year lifespan, including a data breach that began in April 2023 but was only reported in October of that year. A hacker accessed personal identifiable information belonging to around 6.9 million users . While 23andMe stated this didn’t include DNA records, customers’ family trees, birth years and geographic locations were compromised . While these may not be as sensitive as genetic information, they can still be used to build detailed profiles of individuals. Read more: The 23andMe data breach reveals the vulnerabilities of our interconnected data Some users felt that more could have been done to protect their data . A group of Canadian customers are suing 23andMe over the breach . A separate lawsuit filed in the United States has resulted in a US$30 million settlement . The breach has also prompted investigations by international regulators. In June 2024, Canada’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner and the United Kingdom’s Information Commissioner Office launched a joint investigation into the breach. Their findings have yet to be released. This breach is only one example of the growing concerns around data security in the expanding field of direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Genetic information Genetic information receives some legal protection in many jurisdictions, including Canada and the United States. In Canada, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act regulates how organizations collect, use or disclose any personal information, including genetic data, while conducting commercial activities. Additionally, the Genetic Non-Discrimination Act prohibits companies from collecting, using or disclosing genetic test results without written and voluntary consent. Similar restrictions also exist in the U.S. under the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 . Read more: Canada's Genetic Non-Discrimination Act has only had a limited impact on the use of genetic information by life insurers These restrictions are not absolute, but they limit 23andMe’s ability to transfer, sell or release their users’ genetic information in Canada and the U.S. However, their effectiveness in protecting customers’ privacy depends on how specific terms such as “personal information” and “genetic information” are interpreted, as well as what constitutes a “legitimate purpose” that would permit disclosure. Individuals, though, are still anxious even with protections in place, expressing “ feeling naked and exposed at a next level ” in light of 23andMe’s struggles. This has led some experts to urge customers to withdraw their consent and/or delete their accounts as an additional precaution. Data privacy and information exploitation The recent controversies surrounding 23andMe, including its financial struggles and concerns over data security, have reignited calls from customers, scholars and members of the public for stricter regulations over genetic information and the companies that handle it. While some restrictions exist, genetic information doesn’t receive the same level of protection as health records do . Unlike other personal information, genetic information is permanent, individually unique yet shared with others, offers deep insights into a person’s biology, and cannot be retracted once shared. This makes genetic data particularly vulnerable to misuse. There also needs to be better regulation of the accuracy and reliability of results provided by genetic testing companies. One of the most troubling examples of this is 23andMe’s testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations, which have been linked to higher risks of breast and ovarian cancer . Early diagnosis of these mutations ensures treatments are more effective, but 23andMe’s test for these mutations has been shown to be highly inaccurate. A 2019 study found that nearly 90 per cent of participants who carried a BRCA mutation would have been missed by 23andMe’s test. The issue is compounded by the fact that companies like 23andMe, while often partnering with certified clinics and laboratories , are themselves not certified or “regulated [as a] health services provider .” While this is clarified in the fine print of their terms of service, their marketing often leads users to think otherwise. A call for stricter regulations Beyond the accuracy of tests, there is increasing concern that the business model of companies like 23andMe may not be in the best interests of their customers. Some critics argue these companies’ tests to be “mechanism[s] meant to be a front end for a massive information-gathering operation against an unwitting public .” Companies like 23andMe require users to opt in to have their data used in licensing agreements with other businesses. Just last year, 23andMe was paid $20 million to let pharmaceutical company GSK “conduct drug target discovery and other research using the 23andMe database.” Additionally, in the case of a merger or acquisition, 23andMe’s repository of customer information could be sold as a valuable asset . These instances highlight the need for stricter limits and controls for direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies more generally. Without tighter oversight, consumers may continue to face risks regarding the accuracy of their test results and the security of their personal data. As the field of direct-to-consumer genetic testing expands in an ever-digital world, it is critical that laws and regulations evolve to protect the safety and well-being of customers.
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