A 23andMe Ancestry + Traits Service DNA kit arranged in Dobbs Ferry, New York, U.S., on on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021. Consumer DNA-testing company??23andMe Inc.??is in talks to go public through a roughly $4 billion deal with??VG Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company founded by billionaire??Richard Branson, according to people familiar with the matter. Photographer: Tiffany Hagler-Geard/Bloomberg via Getty Images
DNA testing firm 23andMe is filing for bankruptcy (Picture: Bloomberg via Getty Images)
People who have used DNA testing firm 23andMe have been urged to delete their data as the business files for bankruptcy.
The US biotech company analyses a customer’s DNA through home saliva collection kits to produce personalised genetic reports on health and ancestry.
It has filed for bankruptcy protection while it looks for a buyer, after struggling with poor sales, not helped by a recent data hack.
The firm’s chief executive and co-founder Anne Wojcicki has also resigned.
Now Rob Bonta, the attorney general in 23andMe’s home state of California, warned customers they should delete their data from the site.
He said in a statement: ‘Given 23andMe’s reported financial distress, 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.’
Mr Bonta reminded residents of their right to privacy under the Genetic Information Privacy Act and California Consumer Protection Act.
Anyone who who wants to permanently erase their 23andMe account and personal information should log into their account, go to ‘Settings’, and scroll down to the 23andMe’ data section at the bottom of the page.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announces "legal action against the Trump administration" during a press conference at the Department of Justice in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 6, 2025. (Drew A. Kelley/The Orange County Register via AP)
Rob Bonta, the attorney general in California, urged 23andMe customers to delete their data from the website (Picture: PA)
From here click ‘view’ next to ’23andMe Data’, which will open the ‘Delete Data’ section.
You can then select the ‘permanently delete data’ option to remove your information.
Users should receive an email from the firm with a confirmation link, which they should click on to verify their request.
According to its website, 23andMe has sold more than 12 million DNA testing kits since the company was established in 2006, operating in markets including the US, Canada and Europe.
The company said it had kickstarted voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings in the US – meaning it intends to reorganise its debts and assets to have a fresh start, while remaining in business.
It will also see the company put itself up for sale.
The resignation of Ms Wojcicki is ‘effective immediately’, by mutual agreement, according to the group.
Posting on X, she said she was ‘disappointed’ by the bankruptcy plan but had resigned so she could ‘be in the best position to pursue the company as an independent bidder’.
Chairman Mark Jensen said: ‘After a thorough evaluation of strategic alternatives, we have determined that a court-supervised sale process is the best path forward to maximise the value of the business.’
He said the process would help the firm address ‘operational and financial challenges’ including through further cost-cutting and resolving legal liabilities.
‘In addition, we are committed to continuing to safeguard customer data and being transparent about the management of user data going forward, and data privacy will be an important consideration in any potential transaction,’ he added.
23andMe was investigated by the UK and Canadian data protection regulations over a 2023 data breach and concerns that genetic information may have been been compromised.
It also settled a legal case in the US alleging that the company failed to protect the privacy of its customers.
The company reported a loss before income tax of more than 128 million dollars (£98.8 million) in its latest financial results, covering April to December 2024.
It said lower kit sales and a decline in average selling prices were partly to blame for the fall in revenues.
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