Tempus AI, a prominent healthcare artificial intelligence firm recognized for its involvement in the genetic information market, is currently facing serious legal challenges in the form of multiple putative class action lawsuits lodged in federal court in Chicago. The allegations against Tempus suggest a widespread abuse of trust regarding the use of sensitive genetic data gathered from millions of screening tests through their acquisition of Ambry Genetics in 2025.

The plaintiffs assert that Tempus AI improperly trained artificial intelligence models using genetic data it acquired from Ambry Genetics, which was purchased for a substantial sum of $600 million. Moreover, the lawsuits claim that the firm engaged in the sale of sensitive genetic information belonging to hundreds of thousands of individuals to over 70 pharmaceutical and life science companies—transactions reported to be worth approximately $1.1 billion. These actions not only raise ethical concerns but also put Tempus at the center of a legal storm over potential violations of both state laws governing genetic testing information and broader issues related to data privacy.

Tempus AI operates under a model that boasts the advancement of precision medicine through the integration of artificial intelligence technologies, which is highlighted on its corporate website. In fiscal 2025, the company reported impressive earnings of $1.27 billion. Notably, the lawsuits, including a detailed complaint filed on April 15, accuse the company of numerous violations of Illinois state law as it pertains to genetic information access and privacy standards.

Compounding the controversy, the plaintiffs argue that even if Tempus claims to have de-identified the data, the nature of genetic material makes such assertions dubious. The genetic data in question is considered an intrinsically unique identifier, the suit contends, asserting that “genetic data cannot be de-identified because such data serves as an inherently unique biomarker.” This point is crucial in understanding the risks associated with treating genetic information as mere data points, which individuals claim is misrepresented by Tempus AI.

Tempus has established a substantial data repository, reportedly containing over 45 million de-identified patient records, including specialized categories like 8.5 million research records and 2 million imaging records. Notable pharmaceutical clients of Tempus AI include industry giants such as AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Pfizer, alongside numerous smaller biotech firms. The magnitude and nature of these relationships amplify the legal scrutiny surrounding Tempus AI’s practices.

The ongoing litigation aims to secure not only damages for the plaintiffs but also a judicial mandate to halt Tempus AI from further sharing individuals’ genetic information without appropriate consent and notice. This demand underscores the growing consumer concern regarding privacy and the ethical handling of sensitive genetic information, which has the potential to affect millions.

Research conducted by various institutions, including the National Institutes of Health, corroborates the plaintiffs’ concerns about the re-identification capabilities of genetic information. These studies have illustrated how such data can be linked to genealogical databases and public records, posing a significant risk to individual privacy.

As advancements in artificial intelligence continue to reshape the landscape of healthcare, the implications of such technologies become increasingly complex. Regulatory attorney Rachel Rose, who is not involved in the Tempus litigation, emphasizes that the anonymity of genetic data is a significantly greater challenge compared to other forms of personal information. As she points out, “Removing a name, birthdate, etc., is one thing, but anonymizing genetic information is an entirely different kettle of fish.” This highlights the necessity for rigorous ethical standards and transparency in how data is collected, processed, and utilized in the healthcare sector.