California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued an urgent consumer alert to 23andMe customers, urging them to consider deleting their genetic data due to the company’s reported financial instability.
23andMe, a genetic testing and information company based in California, has publicly disclosed its financial difficulties, stating in securities filings that there is “substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.”
Given the vast amount of sensitive consumer data held by 23andMe, Bonta is reminding Californians of their rights under the Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA) and the California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA) to direct the company to delete their genetic information.
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“California has robust privacy laws that allow consumers to take control and request that a company delete their genetic data,” said Attorney General Bonta. “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.”
Steps to Delete Genetic Data from 23andMe:
- Log into your 23andMe account on their website.
- Go to the “Settings” section of your profile.
- Scroll to the “23andMe Data” section.
- Click “View” next to “23andMe Data.”
- Download your data (optional): If you want a copy, download it before proceeding.
- Scroll to the “Delete Data” section.
- Click “Permanently Delete Data.”
- Confirm your request: Follow the link in the email from 23andMe.
Steps to Destroy Your 23andMe Test Sample:
- Change your preference in account settings under “Preferences.”
Steps to Revoke Permission for Research Use:
- Withdraw consent in account settings under “Research and Product Consents.”
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Attorney General Bonta emphasized that under GIPA and CCPA, Californians have the right to delete their data, destroy samples, and revoke consent for research use. He encourages 23andMe customers to take these steps to protect their sensitive genetic information.
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