23andMe Files for Bankruptcy as CEO Anne Wojcicki Resigns -- What Will Happen to Your DNA Data?

[Passages]

Last edited Mon Mar 24, 2025, 02:35 PM - Edit history (2)

Story by Abigail Adams • 1h • 3 min read

The genetics company announced the major changes more than four months after about 40% of its workforce was laid off


Genetics company 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy and its CEO is stepping down, leaving many users concerned about the future of their data.

On Monday, March 24, 23andMe announced that it has “initiated voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings” to “facilitate a sale process to maximize the value of its business.”

The company said that it “intends to continue operating its business in the ordinary course throughout the sale process,” and that there will be “no changes” to the way 23andMe “stores, manages, or protects customer data.”

23andMe also announced on Monday that co-founder Anne Wojcicki is resigning as CEO “effective immediately.” Joe Selsavage, Chief Financial and Accounting Officer, has been appointed as Interim Chief Executive Officer.

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/money/companies/23andme-files-for-bankruptcy-as-ceo-anne-wojcicki-resigns-what-will-happen-to-your-dna-data/ar-AA1ByA1O?ocid=finance-verthp-feeds


Was there ever an op-out button? I doubt it.

On edit with thanks to CousinIT for this safety advice:

Frank Figliuzzi says that's what he recommends.

https://bsky.app/profile/frankfigliuzzi.bsky.social/post/3ll572ovm622h

23andMe is declaring bankruptcy. This could expose customer’s DNA to even more vulnerabilities. The CA AG (and I) urge you to delete your data and request destruction of your sample: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-urgently-issues-consumer-alert-23andme-customers

WaPo article:

Archived: https://archive.ph/WYG3i

Original: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/03/24/23andme-dna-privacy-delete/

[Think. Again.]

1. Your DNA info sold to the highest bidder.

[CousinIT]

2. Download your raw and other data and reports. Then, delete your data & account.

Frank Figliuzzi says that's what he recommends.

https://bsky.app/profile/frankfigliuzzi.bsky.social/post/3ll572ovm622h

23andMe is declaring bankruptcy. This could expose customer’s DNA to even more vulnerabilities. The CA AG (and I) urge you to delete your data and request destruction of your sample: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-urgently-issues-consumer-alert-23andme-customers

[Passages]

3. Excellent advice.

I am going to add that to the OP so it will have a better chance at being noticed.

[CousinIT]

4. Another link and more info:

WaPo article:

Archived: https://archive.ph/WYG3i

Original: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/03/24/23andme-dna-privacy-delete/

The genetic information company, best known for its saliva test kits, announced Sunday it is headed to bankruptcy court to sell its assets. And 23andMe’s financial distress prompted California Attorney General Rob Bonta to issue an unusual privacy “consumer alert” about it Friday.

“I 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,” he said in a statement.

The company said there will be “no changes” to the way it protects consumer data while in bankruptcy court. But unless you take action, there is a risk your genetic information could end up in someone else’s hands — and used in ways you never considered. It took me just a minute to delete my data on the 23andMe website, and I’ve got instructions on how to do it below.

. . .

How to delete genetic data from 23andMe

Log into your 23andMe account

Go to your Profile, then tap Settings
Scroll to the “23andMe Data” section at the bottom of the page and click View

If you want to download your data, select what you want

Scroll to the “Delete Data” section and click Permanently Delete Data

Confirm your request: You’ll receive an email from 23andMe, and click the link the email to confirm

[Passages]

5. Great, thanks!

[Brother Buzz]

6. Attorney General Bonta Urgently Issues Consumer Alert for 23andMe Customers

https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-urgently-issues-consumer-alert-23andme-customers