New bill would block American genetic data from access by companies tied to foreign adversaries

With the introduction of the Safeguarding American Genetic Data Act of 2023 last week, U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) sought to prevent biotechnology companies with ties to foreign adversaries from accessing American genetic data and personal health information.

“Every day, Americans get blood drawn or take other medical tests to protect their health, but few people know exactly who might have access to the DNA information contained in those samples,” Peters said. “As the biotechnology sector becomes more prominent in everyday life, the threats posed by biotech companies controlled by adversaries, like the Chinese government, loom larger. My bill will protect Americans’ personal health and genetic information from foreign adversaries who have the ability and motivation to undermine our national security.”

Peters, chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, had groups like the BGI Group in mind with the bill, along with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). He framed the bill as one to protect personal information through a comprehensive new process of identifying companies with business practices that threaten national security and an outright ban on those so identified from receiving taxpayer funds through federal government contracts.

In this push, Peters raised the what-if of everyday Americans’ genetic and health information falling into adversarial hands, pointing to security risks, including economic and strategic leverage they could gain against the United States. The possibility of genetically enhanced soldiers or pathogens was also raised.

At the heart of the issue is biotechnology itself – a rapidly growing field with applications ranging across human health and agriculture, as well as industrial potential. It is a major focus among U.S. academic institutions and companies, and the U.S. Intelligence Community has previously cited Chinese efforts to acquire human genetic and related data through biotechnology companies such as the GBI Group. While the United States has sought to crackdown on this to some degree, Peters stated that a larger strategic approach is needed to address the threats properly.