Data Removal Requests from 23andMe Customers Surge

Around 2 million customers of 23andMe, making up about 15% of its client base, are asking genetic testing firms to erase their data. This comes in response to the company’s recent bankruptcy filing and its proposed sale to Regeneron. The Breibart News has shared guidance on how users can opt out along with their family members.

In a recent presentation to the House Oversight Committee, Joseph Celsavage, the interim CEO of 23andMe, disclosed that since the company sought bankruptcy protection in March, a significant number of users have requested the deletion of their genetic data from the company’s servers. This situation is particularly concerning as the massive amount of sensitive customer information hangs in the balance following the bankruptcy auction.

Regeneron, a pharmaceutical firm, has stepped forward as a bidder, offering $256 million to acquire 23andMe along with its valuable customer DNA and genetic details. While Regeneron has assured it will uphold 23andMe’s current privacy practices, it also aims to utilize the acquired data to enhance its drug discovery activities. The deal is still awaiting approval from federal bankruptcy court, with a decision anticipated later this month.

The bankruptcy proceedings and subsequent auctions have stirred worries among clients and privacy advocates regarding the potential mishandling or unauthorized transfer of genetic data belonging to 23andMe’s 15 million users. In light of these concerns, many customers are actively seeking to erase their data from the company’s records.

Moreover, a coalition of over 20 states—including Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania—has initiated a lawsuit against the sale of 23andMe customer data, claiming that personal information should not be sold without explicit consent from the users.

If you’re a 23andMe user looking to remove your data, here’s a brief guide:

• Navigate to the Profile section on the 23andMe Website.
• Locate the section labeled 23andMe Data.
• Click on View and scroll down to the Delete the data option.
• Select the Delete data permanently button.

After you initiate the deletion process, 23andMe will send an email with a confirmation link and the option to download a copy of your data. However, it’s worth noting that the company’s privacy policy states that it will retain certain information like genetic data, date of birth, and gender to meet legal obligations.