23andMe Bankruptcy & Deleting Your Genetic Data (Guide)
23andMe, a leading genetic testing company, has recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This move comes after the company faced significant financial challenges, including declining demand for its ancestry testing kits and a major data breach in 2023 that compromised the personal information of nearly seven million customers. The bankruptcy filing has raised concerns about the future of customer genetic data, as the company intends to sell its assets through a court-supervised process.
Many users are taking proactive steps to protect their genetic information. The company allows users to delete their data, which you can do by following the steps here. However, users should be aware that some information may still be retained for legal compliance purposes.
How to Delete Your Data from 23andMe
If you’ve used 23andMe and are now concerned about the privacy of your genetic data, the platform does give you the option to delete your information. Here’s how to do it:
- Log into your 23andMe account.
- Go to your Settings.
- Find the section that says “23andMe data”.
- Click “View”
- Then click to “Permanently delete data” and confirm your request.
The 23andMe bankruptcy brings attention to the gaps in genetic privacy protections across the United States. With laws varying from state to state, the case highlights the urgent need for stronger, nationwide regulations to safeguard individuals’ genetic data.
As developments unfold, users should keep an eye on the potential sale of 23andMe and take proactive steps to protect their genetic information if they’re concerned about how it may be used or secured in the future.
If you’re looking to clean up your digital footprint elsewhere, tools like Redact.dev can help you mass delete old posts, messages, and account history from dozens of online platforms—giving you more control over your personal data.
