23andMe Files for Bankruptcy: How to Delete Your DNA Data and Safeguard Your Privacy
23andMe, the formerly heralded genetic testing firm, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, prompting serious privacy concerns among its 15 million consumers. As the company files to sell “substantially all of its assets” and its co-founder, Anne Wojcicki, resigns as CEO, numerous customers are left wondering what will become of their sensitive genetic information.
If you’ve ever used 23andMe’s services, it’s time to consider deleting your data to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. This article explains how to permanently delete your DNA data, the privacy risks involved, and the company’s current financial turmoil.
23andMe Bankruptcy: What Went Wrong?
Started in 2006, 23andMe was a pioneer in consumer genomics through the provision of saliva-based DNA testing kits that uncovered ancestry information and genetic information related to health. Nevertheless, during the last few years, the company has been subjected to increasing strains:
Severe downsizing: 23andMe downsized by 40% of its workforce in November 2023 by shutting down its therapeutics unit.
Share value collapse: The company’s stocks have fallen to near zero—traded below $1 since the bankruptcy news emerged.
Accounting issues: 23andMe owed over $214.7 million as of the final month in 2024 but held about $277.4 million in assets.
Compromises in data privacy: In 2023, the company was hacked, and compromised data included people’s family trees, birthdays, and locations, which revealed 7 million subscribers.
23andMe Bankruptcy: What Went Wrong?
Started in 2006, 23andMe was a pioneer in consumer genomics through the provision of saliva-based DNA testing kits that uncovered ancestry information and genetic information related to health. Nevertheless, during the last few years, the company has been subjected to increasing strains:
Severe downsizing: 23andMe downsized by 40% of its workforce in November 2023 by shutting down its therapeutics unit.
Share value collapse: The company’s stocks have fallen to near zero—traded below $1 since the bankruptcy news emerged.
Accounting issues: 23andMe owed over $214.7 million as of the final month in 2024 but held about $277.4 million in assets.
Compromises in data privacy: In 2023, the company was hacked, and compromised data included people’s family trees, birthdays, and locations, which revealed 7 million subscribers.
Why You Must Erase Your DNA Information
Although 23andMe assures that there will be no alteration in its data protection policies in case of bankruptcy, privacy activists are sounding the alarm.
In the opinion of California Attorney General Rob Bonta, consumers must erase their DNA information to prevent misuse. After the business sells its assets, your genetic data may find its way into the hands of third parties with suspect privacy practices.
Most Severe Risks of Not Deleting Your Data:
Third-party ownership: Your genetic data may be sold to third parties.
Targeted advertising: Your DNA data may be used by companies for advertising or product suggestions.
Issues of discrimination: Insurers or employers may have access to sensitive health information.
How to Erase Your 23andMe Data
If you don’t want your privacy invaded, then simply follow these simple steps to erase your DNA data from 23andMe completely:
Go to your account on 23andMe.com.
Go to Profile → Click Settings.
Scroll down to the “23andMe Data” section.
Click View to see your data.
Download your data if you would like to download a copy first before erasing it.
Scroll down to the “Delete Data” section.
Click “Permanently Delete Data.”
Confirm your request: You’ll receive an email with a confirmation link—click it to complete the process.
23andMe Stock Collapse: A Cautionary Tale
Initially worth $6 billion, the market cap of 23andMe has collapsed to a mere $50 million. The shares, which at one point reached $13 a share, currently trade for under $1.
The financial issues of the company serve as a cautionary lesson for investors of genetic and health-tech startups. It also underlines the risks of entrusting sensitive personal information to struggling entities.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Genetic Privacy
With 23andMe on the verge of bankruptcy and looking to sell off its assets, it’s more crucial than ever that you safeguard your DNA information. By erasing your genetic data, you can keep it from being sold or exploited.
Don’t wait—Log In and erase your 23andMe data today to protect your privacy.
[Source: Washingtonpost, abcnews ,
