23andMe is bankrupt and your DNA could be up for sale
23andMe, the DNA testing company once valued at $6 billion, has filed for bankruptcy, with your personal information and DNA potentially on the line. The company announced on March 23 that it has initiated voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings in the US Bankruptcy Court.
The stated goal is to facilitate a sale that maximizes the value of 23andMe’s business. As part of this, the firm is seeking to sell “substantially all of its assets.”
As The Telegraph reports, 23andMe’s revenue has slumped recently, reflecting a decline in DNA testing popularity. Per the report, 23andMe’s privacy statement (which all customers must accept) includes provisions for selling personal information during bankruptcy.
23andMe board of directors resign, leaving CEO ‘surprised and disappointed’
California’s Attorney General issued an urgent customer alert about actions customers can take to protect their data:
- Customers can delete their account and personal information via 23andMe’s website, under Settings.
- Before deleting, users can download a copy of their data, then select “Delete Data” in the 23andMe Data section.
- Saliva and DNA storage can be changed and destroyed in the Preferences section, available if you’ve previously authorized storage.
- Revoke research permission for your genetic data to be used in research via the Research and Product Consents section in account settings.
- Account deletion should also ensure deletion data, genetics included, gets deleted.
These steps focus on California consumers, but everyone may protect their data by using those steps.
Alongside the bankruptcy proceedings, CEO Anne Wojcicki has resigned, effective immediately.