Attorney General Keith Ellison has issued a consumer alert concerning the recent bankruptcy filing by 23andMe, a genetic testing company. The company collects and analyzes personal genetic information. This move follows an investigation into a data breach discovered in October 2023, which exposed the personal information of nearly seven million Americans.
On March 23rd, 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, creating uncertainty about the handling of consumers' genetic data. In response, the company has updated its website with an FAQ page informing customers they can delete their data and accounts if they choose.
Attorney General Ellison emphasized the importance of this issue: "23andMe holds very sensitive information about individuals who use its services," he said. "Their bankruptcy proceedings raise reasonable questions about the future of 23andMe and how this important data will be safeguarded. Minnesotans may wish to proactively protect their own data by requesting the deletion of their account."
Consumers interested in deleting their data and accounts can find instructions on the company's customer care page.