Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has issued a consumer alert regarding 23andMe's recent bankruptcy filing.
23andMe is a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company that collects and analyzes the most sensitive information about individuals: their genetic code.
The company announced its bankruptcy in a March 23 press release.
“Consumer privacy is paramount, especially when it concerns an individual’s DNA,” Uthmeier said. “Floridians are right to be concerned about where their information is held.
“We are offering tips to Floridians who wish to proactively protect their data by requesting the destruction of their test sample and deleting their accounts amid 23andMe’s bankruptcy.”
According to the company’s March 23 press release, 23andMe intends to continue operating its business in the ordinary course throughout the sale process, with no changes to how it stores, manages, or protects customer data.
Uthmeier’s office offers the following tips to consumers looking to delete 23andMe accounts:
To Delete Genetic Data from 23andMe
Log into your 23andMe account on their website.
Go to the “Settings” section of your profile.
Scroll to a section labeled “23andMe Data” at the bottom of the page.
Click "View" next to “23andMe Data.”
Download your data: If you want a copy of your genetic data for personal storage, choose the option to download it to your device before proceeding.
Scroll to the “Delete Data” section.
Click “Permanently Delete Data.”
Confirm your request: You'll receive an email from 23andMe; follow the link in the email to confirm your deletion request.
To Destroy Your 23andMe Test Sample
If you previously opted to have your saliva sample and DNA stored by 23andMe but want to change that preference, you can do so from your account settings page under “Preferences.”
To Revoke Permission for Your Genetic Data to be Used for Research
If you previously consented to 23andMe and third-party researchers to use your genetic data and sample for research, you may withdraw consent from the account settings page under “Research and Product Consents.”