AG Nessel Urges 23andMe Users to Consider Deleting Accounts Amid Bankruptcy

LANSING – Following the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing of genetic testing company 23andMe on Sunday, March 23, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging account holders to consider proactive steps to protect their sensitive personal data. 

“23andMe collects and stores some of the most sensitive personal information, our genetic code,” Nessel said. “With the company now in bankruptcy, customers should be aware of the potential risks and consider deleting their accounts to protect their data.” 

23andMe is a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company that collects and analyzes genetic code information to provide its customers with ancestry composition data, probable genetic health risks, and other personalized genetic reports. 23andMe also uses the data provided by consumers for medical research and shares this information with pharmaceutical companies for use in drug development, for consumers who have given permission. 

While 23andMe has stated that it will continue operating as usual and that there are no changes to how it stores or protects personal data through bankruptcy proceedings, Attorney General Nessel advises Michiganders to consider canceling their accounts and request the destruction of any data or genetic samples maintained by the genetic testing company. The Attorney General has been monitoring the company as part of an investigation into a data breach at 23andMe reported in October 2023 that led to the exposure of the personal information of nearly seven million Americans. 

Although high wait times and even portal access disruptions have been reported due to the high volume of customer deletion requests, consumers currently can delete their 23andMe account and personal information with the following steps:  

To Delete Genetic Data from 23andMe

1. Log into your 23andMe account on the 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. Scroll to the “Delete Data” section.  
6. 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.

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.” 

Customers can find additional information on the 23andMe website. As of the timing of this alert, the company has posted information about how consumers’ information can be permanently deleted.