Today, Attorney General Aaron D. Ford issued a consumer warning to Nevadans who have shared their genetic information with 23andMe. The company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is seeking a buyer, leading to privacy concerns among users regarding their genetic data.
“I urge Nevadans to access their accounts on 23andMe’s website and consider deleting their shared genetic data in order to ensure their privacy,” said AG Ford. “23andMe has indicated they will continue to honor such actions, and users should make use of this option as soon as possible.”
Despite the bankruptcy declaration, 23andMe continues to allow customers to destroy their DNA samples. This action also prevents the data from being used in research. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) advises those worried about future use of their data to delete both their data and account promptly.
The OAG will monitor how consumer data is managed during the bankruptcy proceedings to determine if legal intervention is necessary.
