What Happened?
In a chilling turn of events, genetic testing giant 23andMe files for Chapter 11, prompting fears that your most personal data—your DNA—could be up for grabs.
DNA as a Commodity?
Genetic testing company 23andMe has officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, marking a dramatic fall for a company once synonymous with at-home DNA analysis. The bankruptcy filing, made public on Sunday, indicates the company is now courting bidders as it attempts to restructure.
This development raises serious concerns: With more than 14 million users worldwide, 23andMe holds one of the largest private genetic databases ever created. That data—your DNA—may now be considered a corporate asset.
While 23andMe has long promised it won’t sell personally identifiable information without consent, bankruptcy courts can override contracts in certain cases. That means privacy pledges made in good faith may no longer be enforceable.
Privacy Advocates Sound the Alarm
Digital rights organizations and privacy experts are voicing strong concerns about what happens next.
“This isn’t just user data—it’s genetic blueprints,” one privacy attorney noted. “Selling that data, even in anonymized form, could expose people to discrimination, privacy violations, or worse.”
And they’re not wrong. Even so-called “anonymized” DNA data can often be de-anonymized, especially when cross-referenced with other public databases. This opens the door for potential buyers—whether biotech firms, insurance companies, or foreign entities—to gain access to data far more personal than your search history or online behavior.
What Can I Do to Protect My Data?
If you’re a 23andMe user, you’re probably wondering: Can I still do anything to protect my DNA data?
The answer is yes—you can take action to remove your data from their system. But time may be of the essence.
🧬 Step-by-Step: How to Delete Your Data from 23andMe
- Log into your account
Visit https://you.23andme.com and sign in. - Go to Account Settings
Click your profile image in the top-right corner, then choose Settings. - Scroll to “Delete Your Data & Account”
At the bottom of the page under Account, click on “Delete Your Data” or “Delete Account”. - Choose What to Delete
You’ll be prompted to:
- Delete just your genetic data
- Or delete your entire account and genetic data Select “Delete my account and all data.”
- Confirm Your Decision
You’ll need to re-enter your password and confirm that this action is permanent and irreversible. - Wait for Confirmation
23andMe says data deletion may take up to 30 days. If your data was previously shared for research, deletion from third parties may not be possible.
A Cautionary Tale in the Age of Big Data
The 23andMe bankruptcy case serves as a warning for all of us: In a world where data is currency, your most personal information—your DNA—is the ultimate high-value asset.
When we share this kind of data with private companies, even for well-meaning reasons like health insights or ancestry tracking, we must also be prepared for the risks—especially when those companies face financial collapse.
For those who once swabbed their cheeks in search of family roots or genetic insight, the message is clear: now is the time to decide how much of yourself you want to leave behind.
Bergmann Law LLC 