Signaling at 23 Headquarters in Sunnyvale, California, USA, on Wednesday, January 27, 2021.
David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty images
23 and It has officially presented the bankruptcy protection of Chapter 11, which means that its assets, including its vast genetic database, will soon be on sale.
The company continues to sell its DNA test kits at home, allowing consumers to get an idea of their family stories and genetic profiles. DNA data is particularly sensitive because the sequence of each person is unique, which means that it can never be completely anonymized, according to the National Institute for Human Genome Research.
If genetic data falls into the hands of bad actors, it could be used to facilitate identity theft, insurance fraud or other crimes. 23Andme has been plagued with privacy problems in recent years after computer pirates agreed to the information of almost 7 million customers in October 2023.
As part of the bankruptcy process, the company said it will seek a partner that shares its commitment to the privacy of customer data and that there will be no changes in how it stores, manages and protects the data through the sales process.
“The privacy and data of our users are important considerations in any transaction, and we continue committed to the privacy of our users and to be transparent with our clients about how their data is administered,” the company said on a FAQ page on the presentation of bankruptcy. “Any 23 Andme buyer must comply with the applicable law regarding the processing of customer data.”
Even so, experts and officials urge customers to proceed with caution. California Attorney General, Rob Bonta, issued a consumer alert on Friday, encouraging residents to consider eliminating their 23 -Andme genetic data, based in their native state.
“Given the financial anguish reported from 23 Andme, I remind the Californians to consider invoking their rights and ordering 23 to eliminate their data and destroy any sample of genetic material held by the company,” Bonta said in the statement.
Adrianus Warmenhoven, who serves at the NordvPN Security Advisory Board, described genetic data such as the “Plan of all his biological profile. “He encouraged consumers to eliminate their information and take into account the companies with which they chose to share it in the future.
“Monitor your digital footprint regularly, and you can also register to obtain credit monitoring or identity robbery protection services,” Warminhoven said in a statement to CNBC. “Revocate the permits you no longer need, close any account that does not use and learn about how your data is used.”
23Andme said customers can still delete their account and accompanying data. Here is like:
Eliminate your GENETIC DATA from 23Andme
- Go to 23andme.com and log in to your account.
- Click your profile in the upper right corner of the site, then click “Configuration”.
- Move to the section at the bottom of the page called “23Andme Data” and click on the oval button that says “See”.
- Mark the boxes of any data you want to download and click “Download the application”. This step is optional and can take up to 30 days. Pending downloads will be canceled if you eliminate your account.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the red button that says “eliminate the data permanently.”
- You will receive an email with the subject line “23Andme delete the account application”. Open it and click on the button that says “permanently eliminate all records.” Your data will not be deleted unless this step is completed.
At this point, your personal information and your account will be removed permanently from 23Andme, according to the company's elimination email. In addition, your data will not be used in any future research project, and any personal sample that the company is storing will be discarded.
Correction: An earlier version of this story had incorrect information about what happens with the data downloaded if you eliminate your account.
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