Genetic Testing Firm 23andMe Files for Bankruptcy, Prompting Data Privacy Concerns
Prominent genetic testing company 23andMe has initiated Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, raising questions among users about the security of their personal information. Following recommendations to remove genetic data from the platform, customers are seeking guidance on how to perform this deletion process. This development follows a previously reported data breach, further amplifying concerns regarding data protection among users of genetic testing services.
In a public statement, 23andMe addressed these anxieties, stating, “Our users’ privacy and data are important considerations in any transaction, and we remain dedicated to our users’ privacy and to transparency with our customers regarding their data management.” The company added, “Through this process, we will aim to identify a partner who shares our dedication to customer data privacy.”
This article provides details on 23andMe’s bankruptcy filing and offers instructions on how users can delete their stored genetic data from the company’s platform.
Background on 23andMe
23andMe is a well-known genetic testing service that provides comprehensive DNA analysis, encompassing ancestry tracing, health predispositions, and genetic traits. Clients acquire a testing kit, submit a saliva sample to the 23andMe laboratory, and subsequently receive personalized digital reports based on the DNA analysis.
Step-by-Step Guide: Deleting Your 23andMe Data
While 23andMe has not officially advised users to delete their data, several security experts recommend taking proactive measures. Cybersecurity publications suggest that all 23andMe users should consider removing their genetic information from the platform as a precautionary step. This recommendation is reinforced by the possibility of data transfer to a new entity should 23andMe be acquired by another company.
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23andMe has stated on its website, “If, at any point, you are no longer interested in utilizing our Services, you have the option to delete your 23andMe account directly through your Account Settings.”
Instructions for Data Deletion:
- Log in to your 23andMe account and navigate to “settings.”
- Scroll to the section labeled “23AndMe data.”
- Click on “view” and locate the “delete data” option.
- Select “permanently delete data” to finalize the process.
Reasons for 23andMe’s Bankruptcy Filing
According to reports, 23andMe’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing is attributed to the aftermath of a significant 2023 data security incident and a subsequent decrease in demand for genetic testing services.
The company’s reputation was considerably damaged after a data breach in which hackers gained unauthorized access to and potentially exposed the data of approximately 7 million customers over a five-month period.