Attorney General Raúl Labrador has issued a consumer protection alert to residents of Idaho following the bankruptcy filing by 23andMe. The company, known for providing genetic testing and ancestry information, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 23, 2025. As part of the proceedings, 23andMe plans to sell its corporate assets, which may include genetic data submitted by customers.
"There is nothing more personal than an individual’s genetic information," said Attorney General Labrador. "Allowing that to be sold off to the highest bidder raises serious consumer protection concerns for privacy. I want to make sure that 23andMe customers in Idaho have every opportunity to protect their genetic data."
Customers who have submitted their genetic data to 23andMe might have agreed to its storage for research purposes. However, they can withdraw this consent by following steps available on the company's website and as reported by MIT Technology Review.
Additionally, consumers can use the Consumer Reports App to request deletion of personal data from direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies like 23andMe through Permission Slip by CR.
Those who have provided samples to other companies should verify if their data is stored and can request its destruction via the Consumer Reports App or directly through the company.