Your data is so valuable to so many. Retailers, advertisers, and social media companies all want to know more about you. Maybe even some foreign countries. But what does this data mean to you. Your address or shopping habits may or may not seem like much, but what about your genetic data? Your genes essentially represent who you are in a biological sense. How comfortable are you with essentially anyone having access to that much information about who you are? Anyone who has done one of those popular gene tests should be seriously considering this question. If you’ve specifically done the 23andMe test, then you definitely should be considering this question right now. Your genetic info could go to the highest bidder.
23 and who?
23andMe is a genetic testing company that offers its services directly to individuals. It was formed in 2006. 23andMe has been valued at as much as $6 billion.
Customers could easily request a kit, spit into a cup, and return the sample. 23andMe would send back results allowing customers to better understand their health, familial relationships, and even ancestral background.
Why are they going bankrupt?
23andMe filed for bankruptcy on March 24, 2025. They are likely filing bankruptcy due to fewer customers wanting their services. This might be partially due to 23andMe being hacked starting in April 2023.
Wait, they were hacked?!
Yes, hackers were able to access 14,000 user accounts and accessed private data for 6.9 million people through those users connections. That hack included personal information like birth year, addresses, and family members. The hack did not include DNA profiles. 23andMe had to pay $30 million to settle a lawsuit over the hack.
Are they really going to sell customer’s genetic info?
It certainly is likely since a judge recently ruled that they can. 23andMe is looking for someone to buy the company, and that could include the genetic database. Alternatively, they could sell the data separate from the company. If you read the fine print of the customer agreement, 23andMe does make it clear that customer data could be sold.
But what if I don’t want my data sold?
There are steps you can take to delete your data or indicate what you want done with it.
A few sites and state attorney general offices have posted your options for deleting or restricting your data.
- Attorney General Bonta Urgently Issues Consumer Alert for 23andMe Customers
- AG Nessel Urges 23andMe Users to Consider Deleting Accounts Amid Bankruptcy
- Attorney General James Urges 23AndMe Customers to Contact Company to Delete Data
You should consider completing several tasks including
- downloading your data
- requesting your genetic data be deleted
- asking for your test sample to be destroyed
- removing permission for your data to be used in research
How do I protect my genetic info in the future?
Be sure to read the fine print any time you are considering sharing genetic data. The company or institution you are working with is bound by these legal documents. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you are confused and don’t be afraid to decline sharing if you don’t want to.
Explore More
How to Delete Your Data From 23andMe, Ancestry, and Other Sites
23andMe Is Bankrupt. Here’s What That Means For Your Genetic Data
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