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Genetic testing company 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy, raising concerns about the future of its vast trove of customer data. With a history of declining demand and major data breaches, customers are left wondering what will happen to their personal genetic information.
23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to declining demand and a major data breach. Customers in California have the right to ask for their data to be deleted, but this right is not available in other states and countries. The company's decision to file for bankruptcy raises concerns about the future of its customer data and potential new owner's values on data privacy. Researchers emphasize that customers have limited control over their genetic data once it's collected by 23andMe. Customers can delete or request deletion of their genetic data through 23andMe's website, but the future of its business model remains uncertain.
In a shocking turn of events, genetic testing company 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the vast trove of customer data that it holds. As the company prepares to be sold to a new entity, concerns have been raised about the future of this deeply personal and potentially valuable information.
In a bid to protect its customers' rights, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued an alert reminding consumers in the state that they have a legal right to ask for their data to be deleted. However, this right is not available to customers in other states and countries, highlighting the need for a national health privacy law in the US.
The company's decision to file for bankruptcy is largely attributed to its struggles with declining demand for its ancestry and health testing kits, as well as a major data breach that affected millions of customers last December. The incident led to a class action lawsuit, which 23andMe agreed to settle for $30 million.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the company's future, researchers emphasize that the large scale of the data collection will create real exposure that is outside of 23andMe customers' control. Longtime security researcher and data privacy advocate Kenn White notes that "for regular people out there who use these services, you're pretty much on your own."
To delete their genetic data through 23andMe's website, customers can log in, navigate to Settings, select 23andMe Data, and then click View. They can then choose to download a copy of their genetic information or request that it be deleted permanently. Additionally, customers who previously authorized the company to keep their biological sample used to extract DNA data can direct the company to destroy the sample.
The future of 23andMe's business model remains uncertain, with demand for its testing kits declining for years. However, the company intends to continue operating as usual throughout the sale process and has stated that it will seek a new partner who shares its commitment to customer data privacy.
As the company navigates this challenging time, experts warn that the direction of 23andMe's new owner will ultimately determine the future of this valuable resource. "If there is a new owner that comes out of the bankruptcy process, that new owner steps into the shoes of 23andMe and takes over those assets," notes Jennifer Wagner, an assistant professor of law, policy, and engineering at Penn State University.
This means that the new entity will be bound by the complex web of contractual agreements in place with users, but it also raises questions about whether they will prioritize data privacy and customer rights. As one expert observes, "I think it does give rise to some uncertainty in terms of whether or not a new player would have the same values or that same kind of culture that 23andMe was trying to cultivate."
In conclusion, the bankruptcy filing by 23andMe serves as a stark reminder of the importance of data privacy and the need for robust regulations to protect customers' rights. As the company embarks on this uncertain journey, it is crucial that policymakers and industry leaders prioritize the development of national health privacy laws and ensure that new entities that acquire 23andMe's assets do so with the utmost respect for customer data.
Genetic testing company 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy, raising concerns about the future of its vast trove of customer data. With a history of declining demand and major data breaches, customers are left wondering what will happen to their personal genetic information.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/23andMe-Files-for-Bankruptcy-The-Uncertain-Future-of-Genetic-Data-ehn.shtml
https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-delete-your-data-from-23andme/
Published: Mon Mar 24 18:12:21 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
