Arizona AG warns 23andMe customers about company’s bankruptcy

PHOENIX — Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is worried that the recent bankruptcy of 23andMe will put people’s private genetic information at risk.

“Arizona law allows consumers to take control of their genetic data and request that a company delete it,” Mayes said in a Tuesday news release.

She issued the release after 23andMe announced that it will continue operating its business throughout the sales process and that it’s not changing the way it stores and manages customer data.

How could 23andMe threaten Arizonans’ privacy around their genetic information?

Mayes said this situation might push the company to sell Arizonans’ genetic data as part of its bankruptcy proceedings.

“Because of 23andMe’s current financial situation, I urge Arizonans to consider invoking their rights under Arizona law and request a deletion of genetic data held by 23andMe,” Mayes said.

She shared a step-by-step guide for Arizonans to delete their genetic information in the wake of the 23andMe bankruptcy:

1. Log into your 23andMe account on their website.
2. Go to the “Settings” section of your profile.
3. Scroll to a section labeled “23andMe Data” at the bottom of the page.
4. Click “View” next to “23andMe Data.”
5. 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.
6. Scroll to the “Delete Data” section. Click “Permanently Delete Data.”
7. Confirm your request: You’ll receive an email from 23andMe; follow the link in the email to confirm your deletion request.

There are two other steps Arizonans can take to protect their genetic information: destroy their 23andMe test sample and revoke permission for genetic data to be used for research.

Those who previously opted for 23andMe to store their saliva sample and DNA can change the preference by going to their accounts settings page.

Arizonans who want to revoke permission for their genetic sample to be used for research can go to the account settings page and go to “Research and Product consents.”

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