A warning has been issued by a general attorney to Americans regarding their ‘genetic data’ following the bankruptcy filing of the second-largest DNA company, which has catered to 15 million customers globally.
The company, 23AndMe, widely known for its DNA-based family tree tracing services, has recently sought bankruptcy protection. This development comes alongside the resignation of its CEO and co-founder, Anne Wojcicki, as reported by the BBC.
In light of the situation, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has advised Americans who have utilized the service to ‘consider invoking their rights’ to eliminate the ‘genetic data’ the company might possess, citing the firm’s reported ‘financial distress’ and ‘substantial doubt about its ability to continue.’
Earlier, the DNA testing company was embroiled in controversy due to a massive data breach in 2023, which exposed data of seven million users.
The BBC highlighted that hackers accessed information through users’ outdated passwords. However, the company assured that DNA records were not part of the compromised data.
“California has robust privacy laws that allow consumers to take control and request that a company delete their genetic data,” Bonta stated in a press release.
“Given 23andMe’s reported financial distress, I remind Californians to consider invoking their rights and directing 23andMe to delete their data and destroy any samples of genetic material held by the company.”
The company’s chairman, Mark Jensen, emphasized their ongoing commitment to safeguarding customer data and maintaining transparency in the management of user information during a ‘court-supervised sale process.’
“Data privacy will be an important consideration in any potential transaction,” he noted.
To assist consumers in deleting their genetic data from 23andMe, Attorney General Bonta and his office have provided detailed instructions.
The State of California’s Department of Justice explains: “Consumers can delete their account and personal information by taking the following steps.”
Bonta’s office advises: “If you previously opted to have your saliva sample and DNA stored by 23andMe, but want to change that preference, you can do so from your account settings page, under ‘Preferences.'”