In all likelihood, the relocation of the SEI Foundation organization behind the Layer1 Blockchain SEI-AT buy bankruptcy genetic data company 23andme is at best a long shot and potentially just an advertising stunt. But it is still an incredibly exciting idea that has made many people think.
If such an appointment was to review, we would see a web3 company save a web2 company that would have huge branches in themselves. Web2 Tech Giants is already challenged within the AI area by much smaller, quick and more flexible companies. However, the purchase of what was once one of Silicon Valley’s shining stars of a blockchain upstart would be a total paradigm shift.
In addition, an agreement would be a victory for public understanding of data security and privacy. While we have all been aware of how meta, Google, Apple, etc. Take and use our data, we have chosen to ignore it for the convenience it gives us.
Then there may never have been such a case as 23andme that has DNA and other data for 15 million people. It shows the public how vulnerable their most personal and intimate data are in the hands of centralized companies and organizations.
That’s one thing when Facebook and Instagram track our shopping and consumer habits and make our sensitive messages and e emails vulnerable to leaks. With 23andme we speak DNA data; The substance itself in our human bodies has just become the green flag for sale to the highest bidder.
If SEI is not successful, which is most likely, can and may well be sold to health or life insurance companies. They may then be able to use this data to potentially exclude people from vital healthcare or insurance thanks to the dubious way in which the US health system is operated and its discrimination policies are enforced.
Perhaps this is finally a turning point where the public can seriously understand the importance of owning their own data. Maybe more people will realize that to keep their data really secure, they have full control over them themselves using decentralized blockchain technology.
Of course, not all blockchain is created straight. However, SEI definitely claims to be very secure, and projects like Arweave – which are a permanent storage chain built on a “Pay One Store forever” model – have applications that can allow you to upload and store your data privately, securely and permanently.
These are two among a growing list of opportunities in our industry, but the point is this: There is simply no centralized solution beyond a piece of paper stored in a Swiss security deposit box with keys buried deep in the ground that can be compared. And even then someone can dig these keys up.
This is a waters moment for people to understand the importance of self -conformity. And it comes at a time when confidence in centralized organizations, businesses and even governments break down. As such, 23andme sales could mark a genuine turning point in history and one that could reshape how web3 is seen, understood and used.