23andMe declares Bankruptcy

[Romilly]

I noticed this Article on the BBC News Site today:

DNA testing site 23andMe files for bankruptcy protection https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9q4r9xy9wro

I’ve just deleted my Account and (hopefully) DNA test on there!

Very worrying,
Romilly 

[Andy J2022]

I’ve just deleted my Account and (hopefully) DNA test on there!

Their terms and conditions do not explicitly state that your DNA profile is deleted when you close your account. "Can I download my data and close my account?" "Yes. At any time you have the ability to download your raw data, as well as delete your 23andMe account if you are no longer interested in participating in our Services."
While 23andMe say they don't share your data with anyone without your permission, the same might not apply if their database was bought by another company not specifically interested in the genealogical value of the data.

[Romilly]

I’ve had the Delete All Records confirmation email and have clicked on it to authenticate. This is what they’ve sent:

‘Once you confirm your request, we will immediately and automatically begin the deletion process and you will lose access to your account. Once confirmed, this process cannot be canceled, undone, withdrawn, or reversed.
If you participated in 23andMe Research, your Personal Information will no longer be used in any future research projects.
If you asked us to store your genetic samples, they will be discarded.
23andMe will only retain limited information for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims, and as otherwise permitted or required by applicable law, and our genotyping labs are required to retain some additional information to comply with legal obligations. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy.
Permanently Delete All Records
This link will expire within 24 hours. If your link has expired, please resubmit your request within your 23andMe Account’

Romilly.

[Zaphod99]

I was about to make the same comment to the BBC site.

I never understand why people are so scared about their DNA falling into someone else's hands.  You leave a viable quantity on every teacup or glass.  "They" aren't going to clone you.  What's the worst that can happen?  The US has very strict GINA laws (Genetic Information) as well.

Zaph

[Romilly]

I wouldn’t trust in any existing laws in the US remaining unchanged at some stage in the future!

Anyway, over and done now for me, I just wanted to bring it to people’s attention on here.

Romilly

[TonyV]

I too have deleted my account and external advice I read suggests that you need to contact Customer Services to ask them to delete your sample, which I have done. I tend to agree that the danger of our DNA getting into the wrong hands is exaggerated but, having said that, it would probably be of far greater interest to 'bad actors' to obtain a well organised database than to follow me around waiting for me to leave my cup at McDonalds for them to swipe (I couldn't think of the name of another cafe you'd all recognise at short notice. Haven't used McDs for donkeys years!). 

Tony 

[HistoricalGenealogy]

“March 24 (Reuters) - 23andMe (ME.O), opens new tab on Sunday filed for bankruptcy in the U.S. after struggling with weak demand for its ancestry testing kits and a 2023 data breach that damaged its reputation.

The company's shares fell 50% to 88 cents in Monday trading after co-founder Anne Wojcicki, who made multiple failed takeover bids, resigned as CEO. 23andMe did not say whether there are other interested bidders. It will continue to operate during the sale process, having secured $35 million in financing over the weekend.”

Article 1
https://investors.23andme.com/news-releases/news-release-details/23andme-initiates-voluntary-chapter-11-process-maximize/

Article 2
https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/dna-testing-firm-23andme-files-chapter-11-bankruptcy-sell-itself-2025-03-24/

Moderator comment: topics merged

[Gadget]

I deleted etc. when problems emerged in ?2023.

Gadget

[Romilly]

This Guide is quite helpful for anyone unsure how to delete their data from 23andme:

https://www.whodoyouthinkyouaremagazine.com/news/23andme-bankruptcy

Romilly.