OFFICIALS are urging 23andMe customers to delete their genetic data as soon as possible as the company files for bankruptcy.
Over 15 million 23andMe users are instructed to remove their sensitive information from the company’s system.
A statement was issued by California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta on Friday, providing guidance to Californians on how to remove their information from the database of 23andMe.
“California has robust privacy laws that allow consumers to take control and request that a company delete their genetic data,” said Bonta.
With reports of financial difficulties at 23andMe, Bonta urges Californians to exercise their rights by requesting the company to erase their data and dispose of any genetic samples in its possession.
He points out the Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA) and the California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA), which afford every user of 23andMe the right to have their information eliminated.
To do so, users need to log on to their 23andMe accounts and click the “23andMe Data” section under their settings.
Once they’re at the section, they can view and download any data they wish to save.
After saving data to their personal computers, the user can scroll down to the “Delete Data” section and hit “Permanently Delete.”
Customers can also opt for 23andMe to destroy their test samples and revoke the company’s permission to use their genetic sample for research.
FALL OF 23ANDME
The at-home genetic testing company has been helping Americans learn more about their ancestry since it was launched in 2007.
Customers pay $200 to receive the at-home testing kit then use it to provide the company with a saliva sample.
In return, the customer will get an in-depth analysis of their genetic history, which can help users trace their ancestry.
The company officially announced Sunday night that it will file for bankruptcy after several failed attempts to save the business.
Executives at the company called the filing “the best path forward to maximize the value of the business.”
This filing marks a drastic change from the $6 billion value it once had in 2020, CNBC reported.
Since then, the company has lost about 98% of its value.
23andMe’s bankruptcy follows a massive $30 million data breach settlement where nearly seven million Americans had their information stolen.
How to delete your 23andMe data
The California Attorney General has urged 23andMe users to delete their personal information from the website. His office offered the following steps to do so:
To delete genetic data from 23andMe: Customers can delete their account and personal information by taking the following steps:
- Log into your 23andMe account on their website
- Go to the “Settings” section of your profile
- Scroll to a section labeled “23andMe Data” at the bottom of the page
- Click “View” next to “23andMe Data”
- 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
- Scroll to the “Delete Data” section
- Click “Permanently Delete Data”
- 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.”
The company was criticized for failing to tell clients that certain ethnic groups are specifically targeted by hackers who sell their data on the dark web.
Following the settlement drama and amid the news of the company’s bankruptcy, 23andMe’s CEO, Anne Wojcicki, officially resigned from her position, the WSJ reported.
“I remain committed to our long-term vision of being a global leader in genetics and establishing genetics as a fundamental part of healthcare ecosystems worldwide,” Wojcicki said.
23andMe’s chief financial and accounting officer, Joe Selsavage, has been appointed interim CEO.
It has been reported that Wojcicki will remain on the board.
