23andMe’s Bankruptcy: What You Need to Know About Deleting Your Genetic Data
In recent news, genetic testing service 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, raising significant concerns over the future of customer data privacy. The company, which has provided genetic insights to roughly 15 million consumers, is now considering the sale of its assets, which includes sensitive information that users had entrusted to them in pursuit of understanding their ancestry and genetic health.
Many individuals initially joined 23andMe hoping for fun and informative insights into their genetic background. However, consumer advocates are now urging customers to take action to protect their personal information amid rising fears about who may acquire this data during the sale.
Understanding the Implications of Bankruptcy
As 23andMe navigates its bankruptcy proceedings, the potential sale of the company presents uncertain prospects for data privacy. Although the company assures that it will retain its current data protection practices during this transitional period, the arrival of a new owner could dramatically alter how customer data is managed.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta noted that various entities, including health and life Insurance companies, are taking an interest in this genetic information. He, alongside New York Attorney General Letitia James, has issued consumer alerts encouraging users to consider deleting their accounts to safeguard their genetic data against unintended consequences.
Why Deleting Your Data Matters
While 23andMe emphasizes its commitment to current privacy policies, which state that identifiable genetic data will not be sold without user consent, the policy remains subject to change. This means that the next owner of the company could implement new practices regarding the handling and sharing of data.
Genetic information has broad implications; it can not only reveal family connections but may also hint at future health risks. Law enforcement agencies have occasionally accessed genetic data from companies, though 23andMe asserts that it requires a legally valid warrant before any such data sharing occurs.
Although there are protections under the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), these regulations do not comprehensively cover life Insurance companies or other services, leaving some aspects of data privacy vulnerable.
Steps to Delete Your 23andMe Account
If you’re considering deleting your 23andMe account, the process is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:
- Log into your 23andMe account and navigate to the ‘Settings’ section.
- Scroll to ’23andMe Data’ and select ‘View’ to access your
