Co-founder Anne Wojcicki stepped down as CEO this week and will attempt to buy the company back.
If she succeeds, the companys data policies may stay intact.
However, if another firm purchases 23andMe, the privacy policy and data usage agreements could change.
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The bankruptcy announcement raised alarm bells among data privacy experts.
Founded in 2006, 23andMe pioneered inexpensive, direct-to-consumer genetic testing.
The company also attempted to help develop new medical treatments, both in partnership with pharmaceutical companies and independently.
That program proved costly, and the company cut its drug discovery efforts last year.
In 2023, a data breach exposed the personal data of some 7 million users.
What Could Happen to Your Genetic Data?
Its possible the company that acquires the data may not have great cybersecurity.
There might be another breach, Cohen said.
How Can You Protect or Delete Your Genetic Data?
You may considerdownloading a copy of your informationto create a personal archive.
If you download your information from 23andMe, be sure to store it in a secure location.
Cohen recommended protecting the file with a password and avoiding storing it on a shared computer or hard drive.
Users may have also previously consented to having their genetic data analyzed for medical research.
Mario Trujillo, JD, staff attorney at the nonprofit digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation.
According to the company, deleting your account will automatically opt you out of Research and discard your sample.
What Are Your Rights to Genetic Data Privacy?
Most medical information is protected under theHealth Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
However, GINA doesnt protect individuals from discrimination in disability, long-term care, or life insurance.
You canreference it here.
To protect your privacy, consider downloading your data and deleting your account.
you might also email 23andME to revoke consent for future research and request that your biological sample be destroyed.
Associated Press.23andMe cuts 40% of its workforce and discontinues therapeutics division.
Associated Press.What 23andMes bankruptcy means for your DNA data.
U.S. News & World Report.Consumers urged to delete 23andMe data as bankruptcy sparks privacy fears.
Reuters.DNA testing firm 23andMe files for bankruptcy as demand dries up.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008.
23andMe.California expands consumer protections for genetic testing.
