New York Attorney General Urges 23andMe Customers to Protect Their Data Following Bankruptcy Filing
On Tuesday, New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a statement urging customers of the DNA-testing company 23andMe to delete their accounts and take steps to protect their data following the company’s bankruptcy filing over the weekend. The Attorney General expressed concern over the potential misuse of sensitive genetic information in the event of a company’s financial distress or insolvency.
What Happened to 23andMe?
23andMe, a popular direct-to-consumer genetic testing company, filed for bankruptcy protection on Saturday, October 16, 2021. The filing comes after years of financial losses and regulatory challenges. The company has reportedly reached a deal with a potential buyer, but the bankruptcy process is expected to take several months.
Why Should Customers Delete Their Accounts?
The New York Attorney General’s concern stems from the fact that genetic data is considered highly sensitive personal information. In the event of a company’s bankruptcy, this data could potentially be sold or used in ways that go against the original consent given by customers. The Attorney General’s office is urging customers to take the following steps:
- Delete their 23andMe account
- Revoke third-party app access
- Contact 23andMe to request deletion of their raw genetic data
Impact on Individual Customers
For individual customers, the bankruptcy filing may not have an immediate impact on their daily lives. However, it is a reminder of the importance of protecting sensitive personal information, especially genetic data. The steps recommended by the New York Attorney General can help mitigate potential risks.
Impact on the World
The bankruptcy filing of 23andMe, a pioneer in the direct-to-consumer genetic testing industry, could have far-reaching implications. It may lead to increased scrutiny of data privacy and security in the genetic testing sector. Additionally, it could potentially slow down the growth of the industry as investors and consumers become more cautious.
Conclusion
The bankruptcy filing of 23andMe serves as a reminder of the importance of data privacy and security, especially when it comes to sensitive genetic information. The New York Attorney General’s recommendation for customers to delete their accounts and take steps to protect their data is a prudent measure. The long-term impact of this bankruptcy filing on the genetic testing industry remains to be seen, but it is certain that increased scrutiny of data privacy and security will be a key focus moving forward.
