23andMe files for bankruptcy and looks to sell off its genetic database

Attorney General Kathy Jennings today encouraged Delawareans who used 23andMe’s genetic testing services to delete data from the company’s genetic database following 23andMe’s bankruptcy filing.

“Your genetic profile is the most personal of personal information,” said AG Jennings. “But my office has learned 23andMe may seek to sell its genetic database through bankruptcy to the highest bidder. That is an unacceptable risk. Delawareans should act now to protect their genetic information.”

Delawareans who used the testing service should submit their deletion requests soon, Jennings said, because though the company is continuing to accept deletion requests, there is no guarantee how long the company will continue to do so as the bankruptcy process proceeds. Once the bankruptcy process concludes, the genetic data that has not been deleted will either be controlled by 23andMe’s new owner or sold off as an asset.

Users of 23andMe’s services can request deletion of their data here.

Delawareans can also learn more about their data privacy rights at privacy.delaware.gov.

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