How to delete your 23andMe personal data and genetic sample
The genetic testing company 23andMe is filing for bankruptcy and looking for a new buyer.
The company announced the move after losing millions of dollars over the last several quarters. But now, experts are warning usersโ genetic data could be in danger.
Hereโs what you need to know about how to protect your 23andMe data:

What the sale of 23andMe could mean for your data
Officials across the US are warning 23andMe users to delete their data as soon as possible following the bankruptcy announcement.
โI remind Californians to consider invoking their rights and directing 23andMe to delete their data and destroy any samples of genetic material held by the company,โ California Attorney General Rob Bonta said Friday.
23andMe said in a statement there have been โno changesโ to their data storage or protection. The company also said any buyer of its assets would have to observe applicable privacy laws for customer data.
โOur usersโ privacy and data are important considerations in any transaction, and we remain committed to our usersโ privacy and to being transparent with our customers about how their data is managed,โ the company said in an open letter to customers.
But once the sale is complete usersโ genetic information could be used in unexpected ways by someone else, The Washington Post reports. 23andMeโs privacy policy even states that your personal information could be sold or transferred in the event of a sale.
โIf we are involved in a bankruptcy, merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets, your Personal Information may be accessed, sold or transferred as part of that transaction,โ the policy reads.
Consumer Reportsโ Ginny Fahs told The Washington Post users are โright to be concernedโ their data could be up for grabs.
โThe DNA data could be used to discern your relatives and ancestry, unearth family secrets, and reveal clues about diseases you have or could be predisposed to,โ Fahs said. โIf the data makes its way to certain insurers, they may deny you coverage or charge you more for life, disability, or long-term care insurance because of your genetics.โ
โThis is some of the most precious data that exists about you,โ she added.
Why is 23andMe filing for bankruptcy?
23andMe has kickstarted voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings in the US โ meaning it intends to reorganize its debts and assets to have a fresh start, while remaining in business. The company is now searching for a buyer.
The move comes in the aftermath of a data hack and heavy financial losses.
The DNA testing company has also announced the immediate resignation of Anne Wojcicki, its co-founder and chief executive.
Wojcicki said she was โdisappointedโ by the bankruptcy plan but that she had resigned so she could โbe in the best position to pursue the company as an independent bidder.โ
How to delete your 23andMe data
To delete your 23andMe account, first log into your account. Then, go to your profile, and hit the โsettingsโ button.
Scroll down to the โ23andMe Dataโ section and hit โview.โ From there, scroll to โdelete dataโ and select โpermanently delete data.โ
The company will then send you an email prompting you to confirm the deletion request.
Additional reporting by PA.
