23andMe, the pioneering genetic testing company known for its ancestry insights through DNA analysis, faces bankruptcy amid plummeting stock values and a massive data breach. As the company's future hangs in the balance, privacy advocates and officials strongly urge users to delete their genetic data immediately.
The company's downward spiral began with a devastating 2023 data breach that exposed nearly 7 million users' genetic information. Now filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, 23andMe plans to sell its assets - including its vast database of customer DNA information - through court-supervised sales.
While 23andMe maintains its commitment to data privacy, the company operates outside HIPAA regulations and is mainly bound by its own privacy policies. These policies explicitly state that customer data "may be accessed, sold or transferred" during bankruptcy proceedings or acquisitions.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued an urgent warning to residents, reminding them of their right to demand deletion of their genetic data. Privacy experts, including Signal's president Meredith Whittaker and the Electronic Frontier Foundation's Eva Galperin, echo these concerns.
How to Delete Your Data:
- Log into your 23andMe account
- Go to Settings > Account Information
- Select "Delete Your Account"
- Confirm the deletion request
Users should note some limitations - the company retains certain data for compliance purposes, including genetic information, birth date, and gender. Additionally, if you previously consented to research participation, that data cannot be fully deleted.
The company's value has dropped over 99% from its $6 billion peak in 2021. With CEO Anne Wojcicki's resignation and potential buyers eyeing the company's valuable genetic database, privacy advocates warn against possible sales to entities with law enforcement ties.
As bankruptcy proceedings continue and the fate of millions of DNA records remains uncertain, experts recommend taking immediate action to protect personal genetic information before potential ownership changes occur.