23andMe, perhaps the most well-known of the DNA testing kits, recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. While the company is ensuring customers that their data is safe, California’s attorney general is urging anyone that used the company’s service to delete their data. After all, the company experienced a data breach in 2023 (which essentially caused the company to plummet) and it is unclear what a future buyer of the company may do with the data they acquire.
According to research into at-home DNA kits, many of the companies that provide these services are not subject to the same HIPPA laws that health professionals are. There is not much protection for genetic data and many consumers purchase the kits without necessarily reading the fine print of what the company will do with their data.
Before a major sale is made, consumers are urged to delete their data immediately, revoke any access for future testing and demand that their genetic samples be destroyed. Step by step instructions are as follows:
1- Log into your account and select “settings.”
2- Scroll to the bottom where it says “23andMe data” and click “view”
3- You can download your genetic information before selecting “delete data” and then “permanently delete data”
4- Under “settings” you can also request your genetic material be destroyed
5- Under “research and product consents” revoke permission for them to use your genetic material in research projects.
The company will then email you follow up instructions to complete the deletion process. If there are any issues, consumers can contact customercare@23andme.com.
