23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, prompting users to worry about the fate of their genetic data if the company is sold. While 23andMe continues operations during bankruptcy proceedings, it allows users to delete their personal information. Users can manage their data and account settings through the 'Settings' section of their account. Despite assurances of data anonymization, users are advised to actively remove their information as a precautionary measure, considering the potential risks involved in data privacy.
23andMe has filed for bankruptcy, raising concerns about what will happen to the DNA-testing company and all the data it's collected from customers over the years. In the event that 23andMe is sold, its massive genetic database may end up in the hands of a different company entirely - one that users never consented to handing their personal information over to.
Thankfully, the company will continue its regular operations while going through the Chapter 11 process, allowing users to access and at least partially delete their information for now.
Anonymization has been known to fail in other situations, however, so here's how you can proactively remove as much of your data as possible if you'd rather not take any chances.
Log into 23andMe and select the "Settings" option under your account profile. You will then receive an email from 23andMe asking you to confirm the account deletion.
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