Illumina, Inc.

San Diego, United States

Illumina, Inc. is a global leader in genomics, developing innovative technology for genetic research and the study of biological processes. The company provides integrated systems, consumables, and services designed to advance our understanding of genetics and biological functions.

CCI Score

-30.20

April 29

Latest Event

Illumina targeted over discriminatory practices and aggressive lobbying

Amid rising geopolitical tensions, Illumina has been sanctioned by China following allegations that the company cancelled contracts with Chinese entities and lobbied for the BIOSECURE Act to restrict Chinese competitors. This action reflects a broader pattern of engagement in political maneuvers that align with nationalist and potentially authoritarian economic policies.

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TOADIE

Illumina, Inc. is currently rated as a Toadie.

-30 to -44 CCI Score

Companies scoring in this range actively seek to please authoritarian regimes. They offer proactive support and assistance in exchange for preferential treatment, compromising ethical standards for business gains and political favor.

Latest Events

MAR

13

2025

Illumina targeted over discriminatory practices and aggressive lobbying
-40.38

Amid rising geopolitical tensions, Illumina has been sanctioned by China following allegations that the company cancelled contracts with Chinese entities and lobbied for the BIOSECURE Act to restrict Chinese competitors. This action reflects a broader pattern of engagement in political maneuvers that align with nationalist and potentially authoritarian economic policies.
-50

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

March 26

Illumina has been accused of leveraging its political influence by allegedly lobbying for the BIOSECURE Act—aimed at restricting partnerships with certain Chinese biotech companies—and canceling contracts with Chinese customers. Such actions support a politically charged agenda that bolsters protectionist measures and, in effect, aligns with authoritarian nationalistic policies.

The Illumina Ban and What It Means for Life Science Companies
-30

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 26

Beyond its political lobbying, Illumina’s practices—such as canceling existing contracts with Chinese partners and allegedly engaging in discriminatory behavior—undermine fair business practices. This not only disrupts market fairness but also indirectly reinforces authoritarian economic structures by favoring domestic or aligned interests.

The Illumina Ban and What It Means for Life Science Companies
MAR

03

2025

Illumina Headquarters Job Cuts Raise Concerns Over Labor Practices
-29.53

Illumina, Inc. announced layoffs at its San Diego headquarters on March 3, 2025, citing cost-saving measures to realign its business strategy. However, this decision raises significant concerns about worker security and ethical labor practices, potentially exacerbating economic insecurity that can foster conditions ripe for authoritarian practices.
-30

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 26

The decision to cut jobs at Illumina's headquarters, while framed as a strategic cost-saving measure, reflects a disregard for worker welfare and stability. Such layoffs can contribute to economic insecurity among employees, undermining the ethical treatment of labor. From an anti-fascist perspective, practices that jeopardize worker rights and economic security feed into broader trends that may enable authoritarian policies.

Illumina cuts workforce at San Diego headquarters
FEB

10

2025

Illumina’s response to Unreliable Entities List
-29.36

Illumina held meetings with MOFCOM and Chinese government authorities to address its designation on the Unreliable Entities List. In its statement, the company expressed respect for Chinese laws and an appreciation for the long‐term support provided by the Chinese government, a move that raises concerns about its alignment with authoritarian regimes.
-30

Public and Political Behavior

March 26

The company's proactive engagement with MOFCOM and other Chinese authorities, along with an expressed deference to Chinese laws and appreciation for government support, indicates a willingness to align with an authoritarian regime. This behavior, in the context of rising authoritarianism globally, is viewed negatively from an anti-fascist perspective, as it may indirectly bolster authoritarian practices by legitimizing a government known for suppressing dissent.

Illumina's response to Unreliable Entities List
FEB

06

2025

Illumina Impacted by U.S.-China Trade Dispute
9.78

Illumina, Inc., a leading genomics company, was negatively affected after being placed on China’s 'unreliable entity' list amid escalating U.S.-China trade tensions driven by tariff policies linked to the Trump administration. The event highlights the company’s vulnerability to geopolitical and economic pressures rather than any internal support for authoritarian policies.
+10

Public and Political Behavior

March 26

Under Public and Political Behavior, Illumina appears to be a victim of external geopolitical maneuvering rather than an active participant in authoritarian or fascist practices. The company did not engage in harmful political endorsements; instead, it has been caught in policy decisions and trade disputes initiated by governments.

San Diego-based Illumina caught in U.S.-China trade war - Axios
+10

Economic and Structural Influence

March 26

In terms of Economic and Structural Influence, Illumina’s challenges stem from international trade and policy measures rather than from its own business practices meant to bolster authoritarian regimes. The economic penalty imposed externally underscores its limited role in supporting such structures.

San Diego-based Illumina caught in U.S.-China trade war - Axios
FEB

04

2025

Illumina's Controversial Lobbying and Discriminatory Market Practices
-34.64

Illumina Inc. has come under fire after being added to China's Unreliable Entity List for allegedly discriminatory practices against Chinese enterprises and for its significant lobbying efforts in the U.S. Congress to influence the Biosecurity Act. These activities raise concerns about the company leveraging its influence to shape policies in ways that could undermine democratic accountability and ethical business conduct.
-40

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

March 26

Illumina's spending of $380,000 on lobbying U.S. Congress and other agencies to shape the Biosecurity Act demonstrates a willingness to engage in political maneuvering that prioritizes corporate self-interest over transparent democratic processes. This aggressive political contribution and lobbying effort is seen as a negative influence on public policy, aligning corporate power with restrictive measures that may favor authoritarian practices.

Illumina is on China's Unreliable Entity List and has lobbied the U.S. Congress on the Biosecurity Act
-30

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

March 26

Illumina’s addition to China's Unreliable Entity List for engaging in discriminatory practices against Chinese enterprises suggests significant lapses in ethical business practices. Alongside its contentious litigation history, these actions contribute to a broader pattern of questionable conduct that undermines the ethical standards expected of responsible global corporations.

Illumina is on China's Unreliable Entity List and has lobbied the U.S. Congress on the Biosecurity Act
NOV

15

2024

Illumina Discloses $400K in Lobbying Expenditures
-38.23

Illumina, Inc. disclosed $400,000 in lobbying spending from Q4 2024 to influence key legislative issues, including healthcare funding and FDA regulatory policies. This financial engagement raises concerns about corporate influence over public policy and its alignment with authoritarian practices.
-40

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

March 26

Illumina’s disclosure of $400,000 in lobbying expenditures for Q4 2024, aimed at influencing legislation related to government funding, healthcare regulation, and national security issues, suggests an active effort to shape policy in ways that may support authoritarian frameworks. The scale and focus of the lobbying efforts indicate a prioritization of corporate interests over public accountability, contributing to broader concerns of democratic erosion.

Lobbying Update: $400,000 of ILLUMINA INC. lobbying was just disclosed
JAN

01

2023

Illumina Increases Lobbying Expenditure
-39.62

Illumina has significantly increased its lobbying spending over the past two years to counter antitrust regulatory efforts surrounding its Grail acquisition. This move is viewed as an effort to shape policy in favor of corporate interests, potentially undermining democratic oversight and contributing to a power imbalance that favors authoritarian corporate influence.
-50

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

March 26

Illumina's sharp increase in lobbying spending, aimed at countering antitrust regulators in both the US and Europe, reflects a deliberate strategy to influence political processes in favor of its corporate interests. By seeking to diminish regulatory constraints, the company risks undermining public accountability and perpetuating a system that may favor authoritarian corporate behavior.

Illumina boosts spending on US lobbying amid opposition to Grail acquisition
DEC

31

2022

Illumina's Lobbying Expenditure and Its Political Implications
-39.61

Illumina, Inc. spent $9.39 million on lobbying in 2022, an expenditure that raises concerns about the potential influence over political processes and the corporation's role in shaping policies that could favor authoritarian interests.
-50

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

March 26

Illumina's lobbying spend of $9.39 million in 2022 is indicative of significant political engagement. Viewed through an anti-fascist lens, such financial influence on policymaking can be seen as undermining democratic governance standards. This level of spending raises critical questions regarding the ethical implications of corporate participation in political lobbying, potentially aligning corporate interests with authoritarian outcomes.

Illumina Inc Lobbying Profile • OpenSecrets