AG urges customers to consider deleting 23andMe data after bankruptcy announcement
MICHIGAN (WNEM) - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging 23andMe account holders to consider taking steps to protect their personal data after the genetic testing company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Previous coverage: Genetic testing firm 23andMe files for bankruptcy
23andMe collects and analyzes genetic code information for its customers to provide ancestry data, probable genetic health risks, and other genetic reports, Nessel’s office said, adding the company also uses that data for medical research and, if permitted by the customer, shares that information with pharmaceutical companies for use in drug development.
Nessel’s office said that while 23andMe stated it will continue operating as usual and there are no changes to how it stores and protects personal data through bankruptcy proceedings, Michiganders should consider canceling their accounts and request the destruction of any data or genetic samples the company may have.
“23andMe collects and stores some of the most sensitive personal information, our genetic code,” Nessel said. “With the company now in bankruptcy, customers should be aware of the potential risks and consider deleting their accounts to protect their data.”
According to Nessel’s office, high wait times and portal access disruptions have been reported because there’s a high volume of customer deletion requests. However, consumers can still delete their 23andMe account and personal information.
The following steps should be taken if you want to delete your genetic data from 23andMe:
- Log in to your 23andMe account on the 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”
- Scroll to the “Delete Data” section
- Click “Permanently Delete Data”
- Confirm your request
- After you’ve received an email from 23andMe, follow the link in the email to confirm your deletion request
If you chose to have your saliva sample and DNA stored by 23andMe but want to change that, you can go into your account settings page and change it under “Preferences.”
If you consented to 23andMe and third-party researchers to use your genetic data and sample for research, you can revoke your consent by going into the account settings page under “Research and Product Consents.”
More information can be found on the 23andMe website.
Nessel’s office said as of Wednesday, March 26, the company shared information on how consumers’ information can be permanently deleted.
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