23andMe Bankruptcy Leads to Mass Data Deletion Requests
After 23andMe filed for bankruptcy protection in March, a significant portion of its customer base has opted to delete their genetic data. Interim CEO Joseph Selsavage testified before the House Oversight Committee that 1.9 million users, representing 15% of its customers, requested data removal.
Data Privacy Concerns Fuel Deletion Requests
The bankruptcy filing sparked concerns about the future of users' sensitive genetic information. These concerns intensified after a court-approved auction saw pharmaceutical giant Regeneron bid $256 million for 23andMe and its data. Regeneron plans to use the data for drug discovery, while pledging to uphold 23andMe's existing privacy practices. A federal bankruptcy court will review the bid later in June.
The House Oversight Committee hearing scrutinized the sale and the potential implications for user data privacy. Lawmakers expressed concern about the potential for misuse of sensitive genetic information.
Data Breach History Adds to User Anxiety
23andMe's bankruptcy follows a 2023 data breach affecting 6.9 million users. This incident further heightened user anxiety about the security of their genetic data.
Legal Challenges to the Sale
Over two dozen states, including Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania, have filed lawsuits challenging the sale of user data to Regeneron. These states argue that 23andMe cannot sell user data without explicit consent.
Users concerned about their genetic data can find information on deleting their 23andMe data online.
For more information on the bankruptcy filing and the data breach, see the related articles below:
