Great Lakes Wire

Following the recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by genetic testing company 23andMe, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is advising account holders to take steps to safeguard their personal data. The announcement came after the company's filing on March 23.

"23andMe collects and stores some of the most sensitive personal information, our genetic code," Nessel stated. "With the company now in bankruptcy, customers should be aware of the potential risks and consider deleting their accounts to protect their data."

The company provides direct-to-consumer genetic testing services, offering insights into ancestry composition, genetic health risks, and personalized reports. It also uses consumer data for medical research and shares it with pharmaceutical companies for drug development purposes, contingent upon customer consent.

Despite assurances from 23andMe that operations will continue as usual without changes to data storage or protection during bankruptcy proceedings, Attorney General Nessel recommends Michiganders consider canceling their accounts and requesting the destruction of any stored data or samples. This advice follows an investigation into a data breach at 23andMe reported in October 2023, which exposed personal information of nearly seven million Americans.

Consumers have reported high wait times and portal access disruptions due to increased requests for account deletions. However, users can still delete their accounts by following specific steps outlined by 23andMe:

1. Log into your account on the website.

2. Navigate to “Settings” in your profile.

3. Scroll to “23andMe Data” at the bottom.

4. Click “View” next to “23andMe Data.”

5. Scroll to “Delete Data.”

6. Click “Permanently Delete Data.”

7. Confirm via an email link from 23andMe.

Additionally, users can change preferences regarding stored saliva samples and DNA or revoke permission for research use through their account settings.

Further information on permanent deletion processes is available on the 23andMe website.