Attorney General Dave Sunday has informed Pennsylvania consumers of a critical deadline concerning the 23andMe bankruptcy case. Consumers who had their personal or genetic information exposed in a data breach during 2023 must file proof of claims by July 14, 2025.
The Attorney General's office advises that affected consumers might consider deleting their profiles and accounts with 23andMe to ensure their data is not sold as part of the ongoing bankruptcy process. The deletion can be done electronically, and more information about the bankruptcy proceedings is available online at: https://restructuring.ra.kroll.com/23andMe/Home-Index.
“My office is not directing all 23andMe consumers to delete their accounts, but we encourage those consumers to consider such action as there are some uncertainties as to what will happen to the very sensitive data and information obtained by the company,” stated Attorney General Sunday. He further warned Pennsylvanians about the potential sale of their information due to the bankruptcy proceedings.
The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General has intervened by appointing a consumer protection ombudsman to review security policies during this process. This court-appointed overseer will also assess how any sale could impact customer data on file.
On March 23, 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. Under Chapter 11, genetic data from customers may be treated as an asset subject to sale during the bankruptcy process.
According to information on the company's bankruptcy administration website, “Customers still have the ability to delete their data and 23andMe account.” Consumers can remove both their accounts and genetic data following specific steps outlined online.
For those who previously consented for research use of their genetic data by third parties or opted for storage of saliva samples, changes can be made through account settings under “Preferences” and “Research and Product Consents.”
Additional guidance on account deletion can be found at: https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/212170688-Requesting-23andMe-Account-Closure.
Consumers affected by these developments may submit complaints through the Bureau of Consumer Protection's online portal or contact them via phone at 1-800-441-2555.