Michigan’s Attorney General, Dana Nessel, has released a consumer alert regarding genetic testing services following the bankruptcy of 23andMe. This alert advises customers to consider deleting their accounts to safeguard their personal data.
In the announcement, AG Nessel clarified the distinction between genetic testing for medical purposes conducted by healthcare providers and those carried out by private companies providing direct-to-consumer services.
“While DNA testing conducted for medical purposes by a health care provider is strongly protected by federal privacy laws, results from private direct-to-consumer genetic services are not considered medical records and lack these legal protections,” Nessel stated. “Amid the 23andMe bankruptcy, consumers should be mindful of the potential risks of these private services and take steps to protect their data.”
The Attorney General advises customers, who may no longer need the service after obtaining their genetic report, to delete their accounts and request the destruction of their data. Additional precautions include revoking consent for genetic data use in research, where applicable.
Most genetic testing companies provide instructions for account deletion and data destruction on their websites.
Individuals suspecting a compromise of their genetic data are encouraged to report to the Michigan Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team using the contact information and online complaint form available.