23andMe files for bankruptcy

[bcla]

There are some data privacy concerns - possibly that they might sell personal data as part of an asset sale, and that such data might be traced to customers as part of their bankruptcy proceedings. Many privacy advocates (plus the California Attorney General) are suggesting that people delete their personal data (and request DNA samples be destroyed) before that point.

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/24/23andme-files-for-bankruptcy-anne-wojcicki-steps-down-as-ceo.html

https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-relea...ently-issues-consumer-alert-23andme-customers​

​

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a consumer alert to customers of 23andMe, a genetic testing and information company. The California-based company has publicly reported that it is in financial distress and stated in securities filings that there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Due to the trove of sensitive consumer data 23andMe has amassed, Attorney General Bonta reminds Californians of their right to direct the deletion of their genetic data under the Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA) and California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). Californians who want to invoke these rights can do so by going to 23andMe's website.​

​

“California has robust privacy laws that allow consumers to take control and request that a company delete their genetic data,” said Attorney General Bonta. “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.”​

​

To Delete Genetic Data from 23andMe:​

​

1. Consumers can delete their account and personal information by taking the following steps:
2. Log into your 23andMe account on their website.
3. Go to the “Settings” section of your profile.
4. Scroll to a section labeled “23andMe Data” at the bottom of the page.
5. Click “View” next to “23andMe Data”
6. Download your data: If you want a copy of your genetic data for personal storage, choose the option to download it to your device before proceeding.
7. Scroll to the “Delete Data” section.
8. Click “Permanently Delete Data.”
9. Confirm your request: You’ll receive an email from 23andMe; follow the link in the email to confirm your deletion request.

To Destroy Your 23andMe Test Sample:​

​

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.”​

​

To Revoke Permission for Your Genetic Data to be Used for Research:​

​

If you previously consented to 23andMe and third-party researchers to use your genetic data and sample for research, you may withdraw consent from the account settings page, under “Research and Product Consents.”​

​

Under GIPA, California consumers can delete their account and genetic data and have their biological sample destroyed. In addition, GIPA permits California consumers to revoke consent that they provided a genetic testing company to collect, use, and disclose genetic data and to store biological samples after the initial testing has been completed. The CCPA also vests California consumers with the right to delete personal information, which includes genetic data, from businesses that collect personal information from the consumer.​

​

To learn more about the CCPA, please visit here.​

 

[eandt]

Who could have possibly seen this coming?

 

[PollyannaMom]

Glad I never played.

 

[Marrila]

Glad I never played.

Same.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Glad to see it go. My sister thought one of their genetic test results proved my dad cheated on my mom when he was at school, hundreds of miles away from the so-called mistress. This was over 75 years ago when starving students just didn't hop on a plane on a whim.

 

[Mle8308]

Most of your genetic information has already been sold, it's in the T&C when you start the process. It may be anonymized, but it's shared/sold to bio companies and who knows who else! Never had any desire to do this.

 

[Smugpugmug]

It's been a running joke in my friend group for years for me to get one of these tests but I'm glad I stuck to my guns and never did.

 

[Praying Colonel]

There are some data privacy concerns - possibly that they might sell personal data as part of an asset sale, and that such data might be traced to customers as part of their bankruptcy proceedings. Many privacy advocates (plus the California Attorney General) are suggesting that people delete their personal data (and request DNA samples be destroyed) before that point.

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/24/23andme-files-for-bankruptcy-anne-wojcicki-steps-down-as-ceo.html

https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-relea...ently-issues-consumer-alert-23andme-customers​

​

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a consumer alert to customers of 23andMe, a genetic testing and information company. The California-based company has publicly reported that it is in financial distress and stated in securities filings that there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Due to the trove of sensitive consumer data 23andMe has amassed, Attorney General Bonta reminds Californians of their right to direct the deletion of their genetic data under the Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA) and California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA). Californians who want to invoke these rights can do so by going to 23andMe's website.​

​

“California has robust privacy laws that allow consumers to take control and request that a company delete their genetic data,” said Attorney General Bonta. “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.”​

​

To Delete Genetic Data from 23andMe:​

​

1. Consumers can delete their account and personal information by taking the following steps:
2. Log into your 23andMe account on their website.
3. Go to the “Settings” section of your profile.
4. Scroll to a section labeled “23andMe Data” at the bottom of the page.
5. Click “View” next to “23andMe Data”
6. Download your data: If you want a copy of your genetic data for personal storage, choose the option to download it to your device before proceeding.
7. Scroll to the “Delete Data” section.
8. Click “Permanently Delete Data.”
9. Confirm your request: You’ll receive an email from 23andMe; follow the link in the email to confirm your deletion request.

To Destroy Your 23andMe Test Sample:​

​

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.”​

​

To Revoke Permission for Your Genetic Data to be Used for Research:​

​

If you previously consented to 23andMe and third-party researchers to use your genetic data and sample for research, you may withdraw consent from the account settings page, under “Research and Product Consents.”​

​

Under GIPA, California consumers can delete their account and genetic data and have their biological sample destroyed. In addition, GIPA permits California consumers to revoke consent that they provided a genetic testing company to collect, use, and disclose genetic data and to store biological samples after the initial testing has been completed. The CCPA also vests California consumers with the right to delete personal information, which includes genetic data, from businesses that collect personal information from the consumer.​

​

To learn more about the CCPA, please visit here.​

Everybody else must be trying to do the same thing--I keep getting error messages. I'll try again later, thanks for the info.

 

[leahgoogle]

Glad I never played.

Same here.

 

[eandt]

Glad I never played.

Sadly if anyone in your immediate family did then 23 and the government have at least a partial profile on you …. It was a bad idea from the start for so many reasons yet millions willingly participated and frankly even after this still will …

 

[tvguy]

My DNA profile. I have no secrets.

 

[Deb]

lots of REALLY paranoid people on here. And I say that as someone who deleted their 23&me account but has no issues maintaining accounts with Ancestry and others

 

[Kennywood]

If I did one of these ancestry tests, the results would simply say that I'm a mutt!

 

[hertamaniac]

I have an issue with 23andMe. Without going into too much detail, a relative did use the service years ago. They then had someone who found a "match" in the DNA sample. The match then led to a phone call that opened up a dialog between a child given up under a closed adoption and a child birth's mother. So even though the adoption was closed, it could be theoretically mapped/traced to the child through their service.

When I asked if saliva samples could be taken by an independent lab (like Quest Diagnostics), to perform a match analysis, it was met with resistance. I had to ask them, why would they be hesitant if they believed the mother/daughter were legitimate. No need for me to go any further.

 

[Deb]

I have an issue with 23andMe. Without going into too much detail, a relative did use the service years ago. They then had someone who found a "match" in the DNA sample. The match then led to a phone call that opened up a dialog between a child given up under a closed adoption and a child birth's mother. So even though the adoption was closed, it could be theoretically mapped/traced to the child through their service.

When I asked if saliva samples could be taken by an independent lab (like Quest Diagnostics), to perform a match analysis, it was met with resistance. I had to ask them, why would they be hesitant if they believed the mother/daughter were legitimate. No need for me to go any further.

wouldn't that be an issue with the third party lab? Why would you expect 23&me to encourage you use an outside company for a service they provide?

 

[fla4fun]

wouldn't that be an issue with the third party lab? Why would you expect 23&me to encourage you use an outside company for a service they provide?

I read the post as wanting to confirm the 23&me results independently through the third party lab. If I had done the test and a match came up, I would want a third party confirmation also. I have not done any of the DNA tests and so far as I know, neither has anyone in my extended family.

 

[Deb]

I read the post as wanting to confirm the 23&me results independently through the third party lab. If I had done the test and a match came up, I would want a third party confirmation also. I have not done any of the DNA tests and so far as I know, neither has anyone in my extended family.

ok. Then do a test through an independent lab. No problem. It's still not a indication of an issue with 23&me unless and until a discrepancy turns up. I wouldn't expect the employees at any business to assist me in using the services of a competitor.

 

[eandt]

I read the post as wanting to confirm the 23&me results independently through the third party lab. If I had done the test and a match came up, I would want a third party confirmation also. I have not done any of the DNA tests and so far as I know, neither has anyone in my extended family.

You are wise ….

 

[Pink Partridge]

I did do 23 and Me and have the premium. I have enjoyed the service. What do you think is the worst part of people knowing my DNA results? I don't feel concerned for some reason. Maybe I should be

 

[eandt]

I did do 23 and Me and have the premium. I have enjoyed the service. What do you think is the worst part of people knowing my DNA results? I don't feel concerned for some reason. Maybe I should be

It’s not anonymous for starters for either the ‘donor’ or his unwitting kin so you (and they) are now part of a database for pharma and other companies to target not to mention to potentially have your (and family members) results become part of government databases yes including law enforcement.

What happens to your sample? Is it sold to some entity with nefarious intentions? Is it hacked? What if companies obtain the results and use them to discriminate? These are just a few of the issues that many don’t think about before testing to see where all the branches and roots of the family tree might lead.